Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is available to play in his side’s opening Champions League tie at Atalanta as manager Mikel Arteta targets more progress in the competition.
Saka was taken off late on in Sunday’s derby win at Tottenham as Arteta said he “could not continue”.
“Yes he was able to train today [Wednesday], he completed most of the session and he is available,” said the Gunners boss before Thursday’s match against last season’s Europa League winners.
Captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out with a “quite significant” ankle injury but fellow midfielder Declan Rice is back after being suspended for the victory against Spurs.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has also returned after injury, with Arsenal playing Atalanta prior to Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City, who host Inter Milan at home on Wednesday.
Asked whether having a day less preparation than City before their match was a disadvantage, Arteta added: “Hopefully not.
“We have so much energy from what happened on Sunday, it was great. We have recovered a few players which is very important for us as well, and we’re playing in a competition that we absolutely love, so we’re looking at the positives.”
Arsenal were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season following defeat by Bayern Munich and Arteta hopes his side can learn from that.
“We weren’t happy or satisfied at all because we want more,” he said.
“I think we have the ability, we certainly have the quality – and now we have to prove it.”
Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is among Atalanta’s ranks and he is wary of facing his old club on the back of them winning the north London derby.
“I’m happy to see my old team-mates again, it’s special,” said Kolasinac, who made 118 appearances over five seasons with the Gunners.
“It’s always difficult to play against English teams. They are physically strong. We watch a lot of the Premier League and know it will be difficult, but we have prepared well and we have a gameplan to implement.
“Arsenal won the north London derby and are full of confidence. They have great players, are solid in defence and very dangerous at set-pieces.
“We are up against a team with an excellent shape, who can press high while remaining compact. They are a young side who know their strengths – and we know ours.”
Source: BBC
Leave a Reply