Arsenal are hopeful that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be fit for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against Slavia Prague on Thursday, according to the Daily Mail.
Saka limped off with a thigh problem midway through the second half of the 3-0 victory over Sheffield United at the weekend, but it is believed he may be only suffering from a dead leg.
Martinelli, meanwhile, has declared himself fit for the game in Prague, despite injuring his ankle at Bramall Lane. Fans on Twitter are delighted that both could be in contention to start later this week:
Great news
— Kherlead (@Kherlead1) April 13, 2021
?
— Iam yours. (@Raysss__) April 13, 2021
My Lineup for Thursday: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Saka, Partey, Xhaka, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Laca… pic.twitter.com/2BECfWNHat
— DeepInTheCoug (@in_coug) April 13, 2021
Such a good news
— iamLongjohn (@longjohn_toseen) April 13, 2021
The best news so far, happyyyyyyy. I pray for the win!
COYGssss— 6FEETGunner! C M (@wang_fredrick) April 13, 2021
Both should start . We will surely win
— Rutto (@ezrandez) April 13, 2021
Translation of the tweet: We're winning, and auba ain't gonna start ?
— Richard Bure (@richardabure) April 13, 2021
With Kieran Tierney already ruled out, having both Saka and Martinelli in contention to play could be absolutely vital for Arsenal’s chances of progressing in the Europa League.
The pair provide a lot in terms of impetus in the attacking third of the pitch, and if the Gunners are to secure a result on Thursday, their participation is crucial.