Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be available for their home clash against Fulham on April 1.
The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after their struggles in front of goal resulted in more dropped points in the Premier League title race.
Both wingers have been sidelined with hamstring injuries, while fellow forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Arsenal’s attacking limitations were on full display in their recent 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham, followed by a frustrating 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Arteta acknowledged the importance of Saka and Martinelli’s return but emphasised the need for caution when reintegrating them into the squad.
“I think so, but again let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps,” he told reporters.
Saka has been out of action since December due to his hamstring injury, and Arteta noted that both players would need time to regain match fitness.
💬 “Be with them, because that’s what we all need right now.”
Mikel Arteta on his message to the players after tonight’s result 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 26, 2025
“After that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well gradually. They are evolving well but they’re still a bit far.
“We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss where they are, especially Gabi, who probably has a chance before Bukayo to come in, but how soon that is, we’ll have to see how it evolves in the next week or 10 days.”
Arsenal remain in second place following their draw against Forest but now trail league leaders Liverpool by 13 points.
The Spaniard’s immediate focus shifts to the Champions League, where Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
“We have another day or two now to think before the PSV game, all the options that we have especially against a team that is in a low block,” Arteta added.