BUK IN BUSINESS
Gunners stars Saka and Martinelli fit to face the Bees
BUKAYO SAKA and Gabriel Martinelli are ready to give title-chasing Arsenal a double fitness boost.
Gunners wingers Saka and Martinelli both had to be substituted during Arsenal’s six-goal thrashing of Sheffield United on Monday.
But Mikel Arteta says he is “pretty positive” they will be ready to face Brentford tomorrow when Arsenal can go top of the Premier League if they win. Saka, 22, has 13 goals this season and eight assists but came off through illness at half time at Bramall
Lane.
Martinelli (right) cut his foot and had to be carried off but the Brazil winger – who has six goals and four assists so far – is also expected to face Brentford.
Gunners boss Arteta said: “We got some players back last Monday and then we had Martinelli and Bukayo with little issues. We’re pretty positive that hopefully they can be part of that. But we’ll have to see how they feel.”
Arsenal can apply pressure on title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City with an eighth straight Premier League win. They go top with a win and stay there on
goal difference if Liverpool and City draw at Anfield on Sunday.
But Arteta has warned Brentford carry a major threat as they drew at the Emirates last season.
The Arsenal manager says he will watch the Anfield showdown at home with his kids.
Arteta said: “We know the demands that we have. We know the demands the Brentford are going to put to us to win the match. And then the fact that we are still not there and we want to be better than where we are at the moment. If we want to do that we have to continue to win.
“That’s the only thing we can control. Perform well and play better than them. If we do that, on Sunday it’s a beautiful game to watch for any football supporter.
“But it’s nothing to do with me. I will sit there with my kids and enjoy that match.”