Is Bukayo Saka playing for Arsenal against Newcastle? Injury update

Bukayo Saka returns to the Arsenal squad for Saturday’s crucial Premier League game against Newcastle United at the Emirates after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Saka boost arrives at a decisive moment

The England international’s availability should offer a much-needed boost to the Gunners, who have frittered away a nine-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. After the 2-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad last weekend, the two teams are level on points and goal difference with five games left to play.

Saka has missed Arsenal’s last five games, which have included losses to Bournemouth and City in the Premier League, as well as a shock FA Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of second-tier Southampton.

Mikel Arteta’s team did progress to the Champions League semifinals in the winger’s absence, but significant damage has been done elsewhere.

Arteta on Saka squad return

In Friday’s pregame press conference before facing Newcastle, Arteta explained that Saka would be in the squad for Saturday’s game but stopped short of confirming whether he would start. His mere presence, though, should give the Gunners a big lift.

“He was in great spirits today, you can see the sun is shining and now he’s back with the team, because he had a different energy,” Arteta told the media. “He’s had a tough period, we certainly missed him and he’s back with us now.

“Bukayo is a player when it comes to those moments, we expect him to produce those moments to win it for us. We need him in the squad.”

Arsenal injury updates vs Newcastle

Defender Riccardo Calafiori is also set to return for Arsenal, who will be without Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino.

Arsenal vs Newcastle: US kickoff time and how to watch

On matchday 34 of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Arsenal and Newcastle face off on Saturday, April 25, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT).

Viewers in the United States can watch the game on USA Network, Universo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and TeleXitos.

You can also follow live text commentary of Arsenal vs Newcastle right here at AS USA.

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