Mikel Arteta has shared the latest fitness updates on key Arsenal players Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Mikel Merino ahead of the crucial Burnley match. White remains sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while uncertainty surrounds Calafiori’s availability after his halftime substitution against West Ham. Timber shows positive progress, and Merino races to recover from foot surgery.
Manchester City’s win over Crystal Palace means Arsenal cannot secure the title against Burnley on Monday at the Emirates Stadium. A victory combined with City dropping points against Bournemouth would crown Arsenal champions the next day. Arteta aims to reintegrate players for the final league game at Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain a week later.
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori felt discomfort during the West Ham game and was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera. Arteta provided this assessment: “No, we don’t know whether he’s going to be available now. We still have days ahead. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, but we’ll have to wait and see how he reacts.”
Possible return: Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday, May 24.
Jurrien Timber
Timber, absent for two months, has an outside chance for Arsenal’s final three games. Arteta offered an encouraging update: “He wanted to be very close to the team. He’s progressed a little bit in the last few days. He’s feeling better. We’re going to try to get him available as quick as possible. But he’s obviously been out now for a while, unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us. We all know that. And he’s doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity. And I don’t know, his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He’s trying everything that he can.”
Possible return: Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday, May 24.
Ben White
Arsenal confirms White misses the Burnley, Crystal Palace, and PSG games due to a knee injury. He avoids surgery. Arteta stated: “We have to wait and see. It looks like a long-term injury. At the moment, the focus is that we can have him back to be available for Arsenal. That’s not going to happen in many, many weeks.”
Possible return: Unknown.
Mikel Merino
Merino recovers from February foot surgery with doubts over a season return. Arteta said: “No chance for the weekend… I don’t know [if he will return before the end of the season]. There’s still a fair bit to do, so everything has to be smooth and quick, if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.”
Possible return: Unknown.
