Arsenal Hopes Bukayo Saka And Gabriel Martinelli Return In April

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he hoped wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli would return from injury when they host Fulham on April 2, 2025.

The need for Saka and Martinelli is becoming very important because the club's failed attacks cost them more points in the race for the Premier League title.

Saka and Martinelli are still recovering from the hamstring problem, while strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been absent this season.

Arsenal's temporary attack struggled to have an impact. In the aftermath, they suffered a shock 0-1 defeat at Emirates against West Ham on February 22, 2025.

They were then held to a goalless draw at the base of Nottingham Forest which was on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Arteta said if Saka and Martinelli return for Arsenal's first game after the international break, both need to be closely watched.

"I think so, but once again let's see how they develop in the next few weeks to make the right move," he said after the match against Forest.

"After that, they have been absent for a long time. So, we have to integrate them gradually. They are developing well, but still a bit far away."

"We will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss where they are, especially Gabi, who may have had a chance before Bukayo came in."

"However, how fast is it, we have to see how it develops in the next week or 10 days," said Arteta again.

Arsenal remain in second place after a draw against Nottingham Forest, but have trailed 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Arteta will now turn his attention to PSV Eindhoven for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and will soon find a solution to their goal problem.

"We have one or two more days to think before PSV matches. All of our options have mainly against teams in low blocks," said Arteta.