Bukayo Saka injury return latest amid Arsenal Real Madrid fear as triple update emerges
by Josh Holland · football.londonArsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Everton. The Gunners remain in the title race but find themselves 12 points behind Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta's men beat Fulham on Tuesday night but the Reds replied on Wednesday by defeating Everton. Now, Arsenal play first this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park.
The Toffees have enjoyed a revival under David Moyes and have sailed away from any fear of relegation. Saturday's lunchtime clash on Merseyside comes before Tuesday night's huge Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Bukayo Saka, who returned to action after three months out with a hamstring injury, is in contention to start against Everton. The forward played 24 minutes on Tuesday night, scoring seven minutes into his return.
With Real Madrid waiting for them next week, there are concerns whether Saka will start from the off at Goodison Park. Fears over whether the England international will manage two games in the space four days after a long-term injury mean he could be handed limited minutes at Everton.
"The only focus now is what we have to do," Arteta said when asked about Saka being gradually returned. "Like I said, we know how tough that place is and we have experienced it and every team that goes there struggles and tomorrow we're going to have to be really strong so the best way to prepare Real Madrid is to win and play really well tomorrow."
Elsewhere, Gabriel Magalhaes will miss the rest of the season meaning Arteta's option in defence are short. Jurrien Timber picked up a problem in the win over Fulham, while Ben White missed out entirely.
Both are doubts for today's game with Arteta neither confirming or denying whether they would feature. The Spaniard did, however, confirm that Riccardo Calafiori will definitely miss the clash. "Let's see how Ben and Jurrien are tomorrow. Ricci is not fit as well," he said.
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