Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's squad for the match against Newcastle United, according to Mikel Arteta. Saka had been sidelined due to an Achilles problem but is expected to play as Arsenal aims to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League.
Key points
Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's squad.
He was sidelined due to an Achilles problem.
Arsenal lost three of their last five matches without him.
Arteta confirmed Saka's return ahead of the Newcastle match.
The match is crucial for Arsenal's title race.
Bukayo SakaArsenalNewcastle UnitedManchester City
Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's squad for the clash with Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta said on Friday, as the North London side look to reclaim top spot from Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League title race.
The England winger has been sidelined since Arsenal's League Cup final defeat by City last month with an Achilles problem, during which time Arteta's side have stumbled. Without Saka, Arsenal have lost three of their last five matches, crashing out of the FA Cup and watching their title rivals leapfrog them at the league summit.
"Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news," Arteta told reporters ahead of Saturday's home game against 14th-placed Newcastle.
"We've given him some time. There was a moment where he was struggling to sustain his performances because he wasn't comfortable at all.
"We've done that, he had the right treatment, the right space and had some time for himself too. It's now the most important time of the season and he's back with us."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United misses a headed chance while under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. Leeds United won the match, 2-1.
Djordje Petrovic of AFC Bournemouth attempts to make a save while under pressure from Gabriel and William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. Bournemouth won the match, 2-1.
Q&A
Is Bukayo Saka playing against Newcastle United?
Yes, Bukayo Saka is back in the squad for the match against Newcastle United.
What injury did Bukayo Saka have?
Bukayo Saka was sidelined with an Achilles problem.
How has Arsenal performed without Bukayo Saka?
Arsenal has lost three of their last five matches without Saka, including being eliminated from the FA Cup.
What did Mikel Arteta say about Bukayo Saka's return?
Mikel Arteta mentioned that Saka has received the right treatment and is now ready to contribute as the season's crucial phase begins.
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Brighton's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his team's opener against Liverpool on March 21, 2026.
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West Ham United's Valentin Castellanos shoots against Chelsea on Jan. 31, 2026.
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Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal heads the ball whilst under pressure from Casemiro of Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Jan. 25, 2026 in London. Manchester United won the match, 3-2.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa attempts to stop a goal scored by Everton's Thierno Barry at Villa Park on Jan. 18. Everton won the game, 1-0.
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Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Newcastle on Dec. 26.
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Yeremy Pino of Crystal Palace battles for possession with Raul Jimenez of Fulham at Craven Cottage on Dec. 7. Crystal Palace won the match, 2-1.
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Emi Buendia of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal in a 2-1 win over Arsenal at Villa Park on Dec. 6.
Jack Grealish of Everton attempts to control the ball while under pressure from Nottingham Forest players at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Dec. 6. Everton won the match, 3-0.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Marc Cucurella of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Nov. 30. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Crystal Palace hosts Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Nov. 30. Man U won the match, 2-1.
Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Nov. 29. Newcastle won the match, 4-1.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez makes a save against Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley on Nov. 22. Chelsea won the match, 2-0.
Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest wins a header under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United at City Ground on Nov. 9. Nottingham Forest won the match, 3-1.
Michael Keane of Everton scores his team's second goal during a 2-0 win over Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Nov. 8.
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Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher comes out to clear the ball against Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Oct. 25. Brentford won the match, 3-2, sending Liverpool to its fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.
Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Oct. 25.
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Chelsea players celebrate a goal against West Ham.
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Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium during a win against Leeds.
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annibal Mejbri of Burnley celebrates the team's first goal against Sunderland at Turf Moor.
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Players, match officials and fans take part in a moment of silence as a fan mosaic depicting "DJ20" is displayed in memory of late Liverpool star Diogo Jota.
Arsenal received a further boost with defender Riccardo Calafiori also back in contention, though Jurrien Timber remains out injured.
"Being available is not enough. Being available in your best level is what we need at this stage of the season," Arteta added.
"But at least they are with us, they make us stronger certainly. We've missed them and hopefully we will be better for it."
Premier League tiebreakers
The title race could hardly be tighter with both Arsenal and City sitting on 70 points with identical goal differences. However, Pep Guardiola's side hold top spot having scored three more goals.
City wrestled back the initiative by winning their game in hand against Burnley on Wednesday, ending Arsenal's months-long stay at the Premier League summit.
But Arteta dismissed any suggestion his players would be psychologically scarred by losing pole position in the home stretch.
"For me, no. Before, the psychological effect was being chased. For many months," he said.
"What is better, what is worse? Win the next game. The psychological effect is tough no matter where you are."
With Arsenal also in the Champions League semi-finals, where they play Atletico Madrid in the first leg next week, Arteta struck an upbeat tone about his team's prospects.
"Win tomorrow. Game one, win, and we will be that much closer. I have belief in our players, in our people and the willingness we have to achieve what we want," he said.
"It's five games to go, four weeks. Two big competitions to play for and everything to play for. If someone had told us that at the beginning of the season, we would have taken it."
