Arsenal fans are eagerly waiting for the final weeks of their historic campaign. The North London side leads the Premier League. But a sudden fitness crisis involving their biggest stars has worried the fans. Recent updates have clarified the expected return dates for Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Current status and return of Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been a cornerstone for the squad throughout the football season. However, he had to withdraw from international duty on Saturday last week. As per reportsthe midfielder arrived for the Japan game but returned home for a medical test. He has reportedly been feeling discomfort for a while. He admitted to being seriously tired after a brutal schedule of top-level matches.
Thomas Tuchel recently shared a worrying update regarding his condition: “He is just now on the edge, where he thinks, ‘Does this make sense, what I’m doing here, to push through with 70 per cent (fitness) and push myself and push myself?’ And the same with Bukayo.”
Before this setback, he showed his elite form. He scored four goals and gave five assists in 30 games. Moreover, as per Fotmobhe has played 2585 minutes this term, the highest in the squad after Zubimendi. Reports suggest he can return as early as Sunday, April 5, to feature against Southampton. The European trip on April 8 also remains as an option.
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Fresh updates on the fitness of Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka also left the national camp early to return to North London. He withdrew on the same Saturday as his teammate for further assessment. As per reports, his withdrawal is a safety measure to manage his workload. He does not appear to have a clear injury. Instead, the focus remains on making sure he stays fresh for the season finale.
As per Transfer marketSaka has scored six goals and gave three assists in the league this season. His presence is vital for both the club and his nation. Without him, the team often lacks a creative spark on the right wing. Like his teammate, he also missed the friendly match against Japan. However, he has seen a dip in form lately. In the Carabao Cup final, he missed a crucial chance from the centre of the box and overall failed to impress.
Fans expect a return on April 5 against Southampton. However, Mikel Arteta might rest him until the European trip to ensure full rehab.
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Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are not the only headache for Arsenal
The club are facing a severe injury crisis beyond just two players. Eleven members of the squad withdrew from international duty recently. Players like Saliba and Gabriel are nursing ankle and knee injuries. Also, Eze is facing a month out with a calf problem. Odegaard and Timber also remain doubts for the upcoming fixtures.
This leaves Mikel Arteta with a massive dilemma. They will face Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal on Sunday. The manager must decide if he can risk a depleted side. They already lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City. They lacked the attacking edge in the final third, which cost them ultimately.
But there is also further pressure on the club due to a tight schedule. Arsenal will travel to Lisbon for their 1st leg in the Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting CP. Further, they have Bournemouth and Man City lined up in arguably the most important fixtures of the Premier League. Arteta has to decide whether rushing their players’ recovery just to play against a Championship side is worthwhile or not.
The Gunners are having a historic season, and they want to secure major trophies. Arsenal currently hold a nine-point lead at the top of the table. They are hunting a triple trophy haul, including the Champions League and FA Cup. Every decision regarding Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be critical for the coming weeks.
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