Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta handed ‘incredible boost’ as image emerges pre-Crystal Palace – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted the potential return of Arsenal stars Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu could be an “incredible boost” for Mikel Arteta.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the race for a fourth-place finish is “well and truly on” after Tottenham’s convincing 5-1 win over Newcastle.
As per football.london (4 April), Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka, 20, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, 23, have resumed training after their respective layoffs.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale has been pictured training with the first-team squad ahead of tonight’s (4 April) game against Crystal Palace despite the Gunners boss casting doubt on his involvement.
Arsenal sit fifth in the Premier League, level on points with rivals Tottenham despite having played two games fewer.
Whelan suggested the Gunners could even achieve third place, with just five points separating Arteta’s side and Chelsea.
“They’ll be looking to respond to that big Tottenham victory,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The race for fourth is well and truly on, but Arsenal could just sneak into third as well – especially with the struggles Chelsea are having.
“It won’t be an easy game. But to get those sorts of players back into the squad, it will be an incredible boost for Mikel Arteta.
“They’re a young squad but all of these players have had such a part to play in their success this season.”
Saka is Arsenal’s top scorer this season having notched 10 goals and five assists in 33 games.
The Gunners face games against Tottenham, Chelsea, and Man United between now and the end of the season.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor reveals the “only option” for Arsenal after £72m Nicolas Pepe reveal.