Bukayo Saka Aims to End Arsenal's April Curse as Arteta Gets Double Injury Boost
Mikel Arteta delivered a pointed message following Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth, expressing clear frustration over the unavailability of crucial players. Whether directed at the squad or medical staff, his words underscored a recurring issue that has plagued the Gunners in recent seasons.
Arteta's April Lesson: Availability Is Key
Reflecting on past title race shortcomings, Arteta did not hesitate when asked about his biggest takeaway. "Get all the players available in April," he stated emphatically. "I said it many times, that's the biggest lesson. April, May, the whole squad available, your best players on the pitch as much as possible. The probability of winning it increases dramatically. It's as simple and as difficult as that."
This season, however, achieving that goal has proven challenging once again. While Martin Odegaard returned for the recent match against Manchester City, Arsenal still missed Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino. Merino's absence has been particularly felt over the last few months, with his versatility sorely needed during this busy period. Martin Zubimendi, for instance, has appeared exhausted without his midfield partner to share the workload.
Injury Impacts on Arsenal's Title Hopes
Calafiori's unique profile at left-back offers an unpredictable attacking option, and he is believed to be nearing a return. With the title race potentially hinging on goal difference, having more offensive threats at Arteta's disposal is crucial. Yet, it is the absences of Saka and Timber that have hit Arsenal hardest.
The right wing has become a significant problem without Saka, for which Arteta lacks an obvious solution. Noni Madueke has managed only two goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season and has not completed a full 90 minutes in the league. Max Dowman, while providing fearless cameos off the bench, is not yet ready to start regularly in the intense title battle. The 16-year-old has also faced rough physical treatment from defenders, being fouled three times in just 14 minutes during a recent substitute appearance in Lisbon.
At right-back, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have filled in, but neither has looked entirely comfortable. Both have struggled against opponents like Jeremy Doku in recent weeks, and White also had difficulties in the FA Cup defeat to Southampton. White's effectiveness in attack diminishes without Saka, with whom he shares a strong overlapping partnership.
Optimism for Saka and Timber Returns
Despite these challenges, there is optimism at Arsenal that both Saka and Timber could return this week, ahead of Newcastle's visit on Saturday. Saka has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup final with an Achilles injury, a problem he had been managing prior to that match. Arteta confirmed last week that Saka had "started to do some stuff" in his recovery and is set to intensify his efforts this week.
Contrary to social media speculation, a return before the season's end is not in doubt. It is understood that Saka had targeted a comeback against Manchester City but reluctantly accepted it was too risky. With no midweek fixtures, the 24-year-old has a clear week to build towards full fitness and is expected to resume running on grass. Arsenal desperately need his availability to bolster their title aspirations and break the persistent April curse that has hindered their campaigns.
