Mikel Arteta shared “very positive news” regarding Arsenal’s injury updates ahead of their Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night.
The Gunners have faced a series of injuries this season, losing several key players for extended periods. William Saliba was the latest addition to the treatment room, picking up a muscular issue that forced him to miss Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Initial reports indicated a two-week absence due to a hamstring strain, but Arteta remained cautious, saying Saliba is “evolving really well.”
“The last few days he’s been feeling much better,” Arteta explained. “However, this game comes a little bit too soon for him.”
Riccardo Calafiori, who has struggled with ongoing fitness issues since his arrival, is set to return for the midweek European fixture. Arteta also confirmed the return of teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri, adding, “Very positive news. We’ve missed them for a few weeks, but they returned to training today and will be available for the game.”
The biggest absentee remains Bukayo Saka, who is recovering from a hamstring tear suffered before Christmas. While Arteta confirmed Saka will be sidelined for several months, the expected return remains in March. “He’s doing really well and feeling better day by day,” Arteta said. “But we need to respect the healing process, and he has more stages in his rehab to go through.”
