Arsenal have received a timely injury and fitness boost ahead of their important Europa League clash on Thursday night.
The Gunners face Slavia Prague in the quarter final of the European competition, with pretty much all their season hopes now resting on this game.
Arsenal have never really been close to challenging for the European spots in the league this season, but the Europa League offers them with an outside chance of getting back into the Champions League.
To do that, the club will need as many of their players fit as possible and there’s been a timely boost on that front.
According to the reliable Jeorge Bird, on Twitter, Arsenal welcomed back an important duo to training today, whilst Bukayo Saka continued to train after returning over the weekend.
https://twitter.com/jeorgebird/status/1379498217402945539
Smith Rowe, Xhaka and Saka were big misses for this Arsenal team in the game against Liverpool. Arsenal will be without the injured Kieran Tierney and David Luiz, so having first team regulars like Smith Rowe, Xhaka and Saka back and available for selection is important.
Xhaka divides opinion, but it’s clear that the Swiss international offers the team some balance and technical security at the heart of midfield. He’s had many good games in Europe and Mikel Arteta will need him to continue that trend.
Smith Rowe and Saka offer Arsenal enthusiasm and technical ability on the wings and they’ve been pivotal figures in the teams improved 2021 form.