Arsenal received encouraging news as star forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to return from their respective hamstring injuries following the March international break.
Saka has been sidelined since before Christmas with a severe muscle tear that required surgical intervention, while Martinelli joined him in the treatment room after sustaining an injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle. According to The Mirror, there is optimism that both players could make significant contributions during the crucial April and May fixtures.
The absence of these key attackers, along with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, has severely limited Mikel Arteta's offensive options. The team has been relying on Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri as their only available senior forwards. In an innovative move that paid off, Arteta deployed Mikel Merino as an emergency center-forward against Leicester on Saturday, with the Spaniard responding brilliantly by scoring twice after coming off the bench.
The timing of Saka's injury means he will likely miss England's upcoming international fixtures. New England manager Thomas Tuchel will name his first squad next month for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley, but he'll have to plan without Saka, who has been a crucial figure for the national team over the past three years.
For Arsenal, the potential return of these attacking talents couldn't come at a better time. The Gunners currently sit seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League with 13 games remaining, while also maintaining their Champions League aspirations in the last 16. Their return could prove pivotal in Arsenal's pursuit of silverware this season.
