Bukayo Saka returned to the starting XI to help Arsenal defeat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday. The 24-year-old scored and provided an assist for Viktor Gyokeres before manager Mikel Arteta substituted him at half-time. Arteta confirmed the withdrawal was a pre-planned measure to manage the winger's recovery from a recent Achilles injury, according to Sports Mole. The victory ended a run of 16 matches where the North London club failed to score three goals, per North London News.
Arsenal currently sit first in the Premier League with 76 points after 35 matches. They hold a six-point advantage over second-place Manchester City, though their rivals possess two games in hand, per NBC Sports. The Gunners are also preparing for a Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. That tie remains level at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain. Arteta confirmed that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are available for the squad after shaking off minor knocks, according to the Mirror.
