Arteta: Saka Back for Newcastle Clash in Arsenal Title Boost

Mikel Arteta speaks to media 

Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka could return vs Newcastle on Saturday. Arsenal can retake top spot with a win after Man City moved ahead midweek.

After Man City’s win over Burnley, Arsenal can go top again by beating Newcastle. Arteta confirmed Saka could return Saturday at the Emirates...

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of this weekend’s clash with Newcastle United as he continues his push for the Premier League title.

Arsenal can reclaim first place Saturday evening when they host Newcastle United at the Emirates, after Manchester City moved ahead of them with a win over Burnley Wednesday night.

Saka Nears Comeback

Addressing team news first, Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka could feature this weekend after several weeks out injured.

“No (issues). Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad. So good news. Riccardo (Calafiori) is in the squad; Jurrien (Timber) is not.

"Yeah, we have given him some time. It was a moment where he was struggling to maintain the performances. He has some time for himself.“

💬 “When you're close to achieving your dreams, sometimes when you sleep, you think about that. We have the Champions League, Premier League, so of course you cannot think about something else.”

Wilo looks ahead to the run-in 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 24, 2026

Arteta on Keeping Arsenal Focused

Saka may return against a Newcastle team winless in its last 13 league visits to Arsenal. A win Saturday would give the Gunners their first league double over Newcastle since 2020/21.

Eager to get his team back to top form, Arteta then discussed how he’s motivating the squad for the run-in.

Arteta provides a fitness update on Saka, Calafiori and Timber 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 24, 2026

“Five games to go, tomorrow game one, all in, let's go for it! Win tomorrow, game one win, and we will be much closer. I believe in our players, in our people to achieve what we want.“

“Every game, we do something different to inspire them, to guide them. The specific topic on the day. This group, we don't have to do much to be fair.”

“Everything to win, in the position that we are. I think that's a simple answer.”