Mikel Arteta talked to the press about the availability of his players ahead of Arsenal’s clash against AFC Bournemouth. The Gunners would have hoped to come out of the international break without new injuries and it seems like no new major issue has emerged. Players like Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White, and many others had trouble before the international break. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli suffered a few issues during it and Arteta gave answers about everyone’s return. The Gunners are set to face Newcastle and Chelsea away after a clash with Liverpool at the Emirates. The Bournemouth game will help wake players up from the international break hangover.
The Spanish manager gave injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and many other players. Let’s look at what he said about them.
Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s injury
Saka hobbled off in the forty-ninth minute of the match against Greece. The English winger is the best player at Arsenal. Without him, they are not the same. To the joy of Arsenal fans, Mikel Arteta said that Saka’s injury didn’t appear serious, and he was in contention to start the second game for England. The manager added that Saka has scans to go through tomorrow and is hoping for the good.
It is a huge relief for fans, already without Martin Odegaard, it would’ve been extremely difficult for Mikel Arteta to put together a solid winning team without Saka. He has been amazing this season, having an offensive return in six of the seven games. With him expected to be back this weekend, Arsenal don’t need to worry in attack. Where they need to worry is at the right back spot.
White, Timber, Zinchenko, and Tomiyasu
Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are very close to returning, said the Arsenal boss. Mikel Arteta acknowledged that they are short on players on the right. When talking about Takehiro Tomiyasu, the manager said he was working very hard to get back but he isn’t sure of when he will be back.
The Gunners have players who can play right back but most of them are unfit. I expect Timber or White to start. Zinchenko might be back, but I don’t see him getting much playtime. He has been out for a long time and will most probably be eased into action. I believe that both White and Timber are above him in the pecking order and he won’t be seen as regularly as he used to be.
Mikel Arteta on Havertz and Martinelli
Kai Havertz stayed back during the break to treat some minor issues. Mikel Arteta said if the German trains well then he can be available. When Arteta talks like this about a player, they are generally available. He has been very important since the second half of last season after he was given the duty to lead the line.
Gabriel Martinelli got injured during the international break. The Brazilian attacker suffered an injury five minutes after coming on for the national team. His form was picking up in the last few games after Martin Odegaard’s injury. Arteta told everyone that playing him might be a risk because if he’ll ask the player then he’ll say that he’s good to play.
Martin Odegaard close to returning?
Mikel Arteta said that Odegaard is out for this week’s encounter, but he can be back before the next international break. This is huge for their title aspirations. The Gunners have shown that they can win games without Odegaard but with tough matches around the corner, it would be the perfect time for him to return. Arsenal have had an answer for every problem this season. This is the best version of The Gunners under Mikel Arteta.
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
