Arsenal received a boost ahead of their Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb as Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori returned to training.
Both players had been out with injuries, with Nwaneri picking up a knock in the January 4 draw against Brighton and Calafiori sidelined with a muscle injury. Mikel Arteta confirmed that the duo are now available for selection, calling their return “very positive news.”
William Saliba remains sidelined after missing the draw with Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury sustained in the north London derby.
Although Saliba won’t feature against Dinamo Zagreb, Arteta is optimistic about his recovery and hopes the French defender will be ready for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on February 2.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu continue their long-term recoveries. Saka, who is out until March, was seen without crutches during the Villa game, but Arteta stressed that the winger still has several stages of rehabilitation to complete. Tomiyasu and Jesus are also not expected back anytime soon.
Arteta highlighted the importance of managing player workloads, especially with younger talents like Nwaneri. The manager noted how the midfielder was showing consistency and versatility before his setback and expressed his excitement about having him back on the pitch.
