He missed Malaysia's 3-2 defeat to Taiwan in the return leg on July 3 in Taipei as the AFF Cup champions squeezed into the second round on the away goals rule.
While Safee considers the second round qualifier against Singapore more important than the games against the English Premier League clubs, he is nevertheless envious of his national teammates.
"I'm disappointed that I won't be able to play against Arsenal because they are a top team in England and it would have been a great experience to go up against them.
"My teammates are all excited to face them and they will benefit a lot from playing against a first-class team.
"The players have their own personal targets of what they hope to achieve but I think they are all hoping to make an impression so that they will get a chance to play against Singapore.
"Singapore are our aim and I am working hard to get back to full fitness for that match," said Safee after the national team's training session at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Safee trained apart from the rest of the players, doing some ball work and jogging.
"I worked with the ball for the first time today (yesterday) since I suffered this injury. It's (the injury) getting better and I hope it does not flare up again," said Safee, who has only played in three of Malaysia's five international matches this year.
In Safee's absence, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Abdul Hadi Yahya look set to lead the line against Arsenal today at the National Stadium.
The duo, who have scored 48 goals between them this season, were paired in training yesterday in an attempt to forge an understanding, having spent just 107 minutes of playing time together.
Kedah left-back Azmi Muslim and Johor FC striker Shahrizal Saad returned to the squad having missed the Taiwan matches through injury while Kelantan centre-back Rizal Fahmi Rosid was recalled.
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