Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down concerns about Bukayo Saka after he was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge during the 2-0 win over Port Vale on Wednesday evening.

The winger needed treatment following the tackle early in the second half. He got up to play on but he was substituted on the hour mark.

When asked about Saka’s fitness in his post-match interview, Arteta said that the player “will be” in contention to face Newcastle this weekend:

“Yeah, it was always the plan. The maximum we wanted him to play was 60 minutes; there is a lot of games coming up. He is coming back from an important injury, and again, we need to manage his load. He will be around for the weekend, yes.”

Arsenal need Saka after suffering another injury blow

The England international has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since the 5-0 win over Leeds last month.

Saka’s return is timely, considering that Noni Madueke picked up a knee problem during the draw against Manchester City last weekend. The summer signing from Chelsea is expected to spend 6 to 8 weeks on the treatment table.

Arteta could also be without 4 other players

Speaking prior to the Port Vale game, the Gunners boss confirmed that Piero Hincapie is currently unavailable due to a groin problem. The Ecuadorian has only made one brief cameo appearance since his move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Captain Martin Odegaard remains a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park due to a shoulder injury, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have both been ruled out for the long term.

Havertz underwent surgery on his knee after the opening day win over Manchester United, while Jesus has had some complications in his recovery from an ACL.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here