Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have both been declared fit for Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Brentford on Saturday, despite injury concerns after Tuesday’s Champions League win.
Arsenal are riding high after their dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, which brought them to the brink of a semi-final spot in Europe. But that win came with a dose of worry, as both England internationals failed to finish the game.
Saka, recently back from a three-month hamstring layoff, was substituted before Mikel Mertino netted Arsenal’s third goal. Meanwhile, Rice, fresh from scoring two stunning free-kicks, exited with a bloodied ankle late in the match.
Mikel Arteta calmed fears during his Friday press conference.
“Dec and Bukayo are both fine,” he confirmed. “They just took a couple of knocks. Nothing serious—they’re ready for tomorrow.”
Asked whether he might rotate his squad with the return leg in Madrid looming, Arteta said: “We’ll see how everyone’s recovered. We’ve got a packed schedule, but whoever plays, we’ll go in strong.”
Declan Rice starred midweek with a brace and appears to have taken over free-kick duties from Martin Odegaard, who hasn’t scored from a set piece since September 2021.
“We talk about that a lot,” Arteta said. “Rice can affect the game in so many ways—crosses, long shots, dribbles. We want him to be a difference-maker in multiple ways.”
In other news, Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz are both progressing in their recoveries.
Calafiori, who picked up another injury on international duty with Italy, is stepping up his training. “He’s doing well,” said Arteta. “It’s tough to give a timeline, but he’s close.”
Havertz, also recovering from hamstring surgery like Saka, had been ruled out for the season but could make a surprise return if Arsenal are still fighting on multiple fronts.