Riccardo Calafiori is back in training for Arsenal after suffering an injury on international duty (Credits: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Arsenal appear set to be able to call upon Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka ahead of Thursday night’s Champions League clash against Atalanta.
The Gunners kick-off their European campaign against the current Europa League holders who beat Liverpool over two legs last season.
Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a morale-boosting win over Tottenham on Sunday which was rendered all the more impressive given the absence of skipper Martin Odegaard and midfield linchpin Declan Rice.
The skipper will be unavailable again due to the ankle injury he picked up on international duty last week, but Rice will return after he served a one-match domestic suspension.
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori appears ready to feature after he was pictured in training on Tuesday morning, while Bukayo Saka appears to have shaken off the niggle that forced him off in the closing stages against Tottenham.
Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still nursing injuries, however, and won’t make the trip to Bergamo.
Saka looks likely to take on increased responsibility this season and is now part of Arsenal’s senior leadership group and although he is enjoying greater seniority, he admits he misses the presence of his fellow Hale End Academy graduates who all moved on in the summer.
Asked how it felt to see his former team-mates Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson depart, Saka said on the Men in Blazers podcast: ‘Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’ve missed them a bit you know.
‘Since I came into the first-team they were kind of like my big brothers with the way they welcome me and stuff like that.
‘So yeah, it wasn’t easy to see them all go, but at the same time, I’m really happy for them because they’re three top, top players with so much quality and I’m sure they’re going to shine in the Premier League this year.’
Raheem Sterling did join the Gunners on a season-long loan deal after being exiled by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and told to leave Stamford Bridge and Saka is looking forward to joining forces with his one-time England teammate.
‘We’re happy to have him here,’ Saka said. ‘I know the quality he has, I’ve played with him for England and watched him for years.
‘I know Raz really well and hope he can bring his special qualities to the team and help him us win.’
More to follow…
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