Mikel Arteta could boast a near fully-fit squad when Arsenal host Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg, with Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu returning from injury.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report Arteta has landed a quadruple boost for the Reds visit on Thursday. The Gunners are confident a host of their absent stars will recover for the Emirates Stadium clash that will determine which side faces Chelsea at Wembley.
Arsenal successfully applied to have Sunday’s north London derby postponed as Arteta was without 14 players. But Saka and Tomiyasu’s injuries have cleared, while Martin Odegaard has completed his isolation period after testing positive for Covid-19.
Arsenal also hope defenders Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares overcome their injuries in time to face Liverpool in midweek. Cedric sustained his gripe during the Anfield first-leg last week, before Chambers entered the Merseyside action as the Portuguese’s replacement.
Arteta closing in on fully-fit Arsenal with Saka among stars nearing injury return
Saka, Chambers, Tomiyasu and Cedric returning from injury, plus Odegaard’s availability, is a big boost for Arsenal and Arteta. Additionally, football.london report Emile Smith Rowe is also available to face Liverpool after overcoming his fitness problems.
Arteta will hope his six stars now play a part in the Gunners booking a date at Wembley with Chelsea. He could then welcome Thomas Partey back into the fold to face Burnley on Sunday, as well, after Ghana crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage.
Saka’s return from injury will delight Arteta considerably ahead of Arsenal facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The England winger has offered a talismanic presence in north London this season with seven goals and four assists.
Smith Rowe also hailed Saka as ‘unbelievable’ on Instagram after scoring in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City this month. Now, Arteta may unleash the 14-cap dynamo and Smith Rowe together for the first time since facing Pep Guardiola’s Citizens.
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