Mikel Arteta delivers 'very positive news' ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb - as two key stars return from injury
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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that two key stars have returned to the fold ahead of Arsenal's clash with Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Gunners lost important ground in the title race last weekend after drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday, with league leaders Liverpool striking late through Darwin Nunez to triumph 2-1 over Brentford.
![[Ethan Nwaneri, 17, will be available when the Gunners take on Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94355557-14309567-image-a-21_1737478493784.jpg)
Saturday's draw at the Emirates will feel like two points dropped for Arsenal, who led by two goals early in the second half before Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins levelled the game. Now, Arteta's attention switches immediately to the Champions League, with Wednesday's clash in north London presented a great opportunity to all but guarantee safe passage into the knockout stage.
![[Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori is also available having returned from injury, Arteta confirmed]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94355543-14309567-image-a-22_1737478496511.jpg)
Arsenal currently sit third, level on points with five teams below them, having won four matches from six so far. Delivering a crucial injury update ahead of Zagreb's visit, Arteta buoyantly said: '(Riccardo) Calafiori and (Ethan) Nwaneri are back, very positive news. They will be available for the game.'.
![[Arteta provided an update on key man William Saliba, who is progressing ahead of schedule]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94355473-14309567-image-a-23_1737478630246.jpg)
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that two key stars have returned for Arsenal's clash on Wednesday. Ethan Nwaneri, 17, will be available when the Gunners take on Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori is also available having returned from injury, Arteta confirmed.
![[Unfortunately for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka is unlikely to return to the fold until at least March]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94355483-14309567-image-a-24_1737478666083.jpg)
'(William) Saliba is evolving well the last few days, but this game comes a little bit too early for him'. Saliba was sorely missed against Aston Villa - a result which leaves them six points behind Liverpool having played one game more than Arne Slot's table-toppers.
![[Arsenal will be keen to get back to winning ways in midweek after drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/17/94355935-14309567-image-a-37_1737478881796.jpg)
