The Gunners are 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool after 29 games. It appears unlikely that they will recover the deficit before the end of the season.
They still need to finish on a high. The league form could provide momentum for the double-legged Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Speaking in his presser before the Fulham game, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is ready to go, having fully recovered from his hamstring injury.
He told Arsenal.com: “Bukayo is ready to go. All the careful things he’s already done, so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments.
“He’s pushing because he really wants it. We have respect the timeframe, but we have done everything and we have had to hold him back even, so he’s ready to go.”
However, left-back Riccardo Calafiori won’t be available to face the Cottagers. He could be out of action for a few weeks after suffering a fresh knee injury on Italy duty.
Arteta added: “He picked up an injury again with the national team. It’s really unfortunate the way it happened.
“It could have been much worse so hopefully it’s going to be a matter of weeks, but we’ll have to see how that injury evolves.”
Jurrien Timber had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to illness. When pressed on his condition, the manager said that he is available to face Marco Silva’s side.
Arteta said on Timber: “Jurien was ill for a long period, quite badly. He’s felt much better in the last few days, so he’s available.”
Timber has had a heavy workload from the right-back position this term, but Arteta could rotate in the coming months with Ben White back to full fitness after knee surgery.
White was used sparingly after the Dubai warm weather break, but he could have a bigger role in the season run-in as the Gunners seek to end their recent trophy drought.
Arsenal are huge underdogs for the Champions League quarter-final tie against holders Madrid. The Gunners must go into the first leg with form and momentum on their side.
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