Mikel Arteta has given an update both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are fit and ready for the upcoming clash in the Premier League against Brentford. After getting some knocks in the high voltage matchup in the Champions league quarter final against Real Madrid, both Rice and Saka were subbed off by Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice, who proved his worth on the biggest stage against the reigning champions, has recovered well. Rice scored 2 amazing free-kicks from a long range against Thibaut Courtois, who was left high and dry by the midfielder’s pin-point accuracy.
Mikel revealed that both have recovered well enough
But in a relief to all Gooners everywhere, Mikel revealed that both have recovered well enough to be in contention to face the Bees in Premier League action this weekend, as we look to maintain the positivity in the camp from the incredible display in midweek.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel said: “With Dec and Bukayo, they’re both fit. So it was just a matter of two kicks and they recovered well, so they are available for tomorrow.”
He also suggested that Riccardo Calafiori could be available again soon after the Italian international picked up a knee problem on international duty during the recent break, causing him to miss the matches against Fulham, Everton and Madrid.
“Ricky’s progressing really well,” Mikel added. “I think to give you a timeline is difficult because he needs to step up, especially having more people around and how he reacts after that. But he’s in a good place.”
Kai Havertz is doing following hamstring surgery in January
There was also an update on how Kai Havertz is doing following hamstring surgery in January. When it was pointed out to Mikel that Bukayo had returned after 104 days from a similar procedure, and it would be 108 days from Kai’s injury to the final day of the season, he was asked if there was a possibility that the striker could still play some part this season.
“Every injury isn’t the same,” Mikel added. “The mindset of [Kai and Bukayo], though, is very, very similar. They have a great injury history, great work ethic, are desperate to get back playing as quickly as possible, and we have great medical staff as well to look after them.
“Hopefully we can have him, but let’s wait. Once you get to the last stage of the rehab is when you can better understand how close or far away you are to making that next step.”
