Mikel Arteta reveals squad concerns ahead of Arsenal’s final match in the 2022/23 season, with Bukayo Saka, Leonardo Trossard, and Reiss Nelson unlikely to feature.

bukayo saka new arsenal kit
Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s new kit for the 23/24 season via Arsenal.com

As Arsenal gear up for their final match of the 2022/23 season, Mikel Arteta has revealed some concerns regarding key players’ availability.

In last weekend’s outing against Nottingham Forest, Reiss Nelson was absent due to illness.

His participation against Wolverhampton Wanderers this Sunday remains a question mark but it does, however, look like he will be signing a new contract to stay at Arsenal long-term.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MARCH 09: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Adding to this, Bukayo Saka and Leonardo Trossard are also grappling with fitness issues, their presence at the Emirates Stadium is far from certain.

In his last pre-match press conference of the season, Arteta said, “We’ve had some issues this week – well, in the last few weeks – as you’ve noticed, some players were unable to play and to participate in the games, with Reiss.

“We have a little issue with Bukayo, which has been going on, and with Leo.”

Arsenal's Belgian midfielder Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 11, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 11, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Gunners have faced their fair share of injury troubles this season, with William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu side-lined due to back and knee problems respectively since March.

The boss remains optimistic about their return for pre-season training in July.

Arteta remarked, “I think he’s evolving in the right way,” about Saliba. He continues to be cautious about the Frenchman’s progress, aiming for him to be fully ready to “go again” next season.

william saliba new arsenal kit
William Saliba in Arsenal’s new kit for the 23/24 season via Arsenal.com

The same optimism carries over for Tomiyasu, who has had a challenging year.

Looking ahead, Arteta knows he faces a delicate balancing act, with a busy summer of international tournaments and qualifiers. He also recognises the psychological toll on the injured players and plans to manage their well-being effectively.

“We have to understand how they’re feeling, what they need and what is best for them, and whether it is best for them and the club as well,” Arteta concluded, underlining the need for open communication and a proactive approach for the squad’s best performance next season.

Arsenal will also be without Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny for the game

Wolves injury update

Benfica's Portuguese defender Chiquinho looks on during the Portuguese league football match between Gil Vicente FC and SL Benfica at the Cidade de Barcelos stadium in Barcelos on April 29, 2023. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Benfica’s Portuguese defender Chiquinho looks on during the Portuguese league football match between Gil Vicente FC and SL Benfica at the Cidade de Barcelos stadium in Barcelos on April 29, 2023. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

As Wolves get ready for their forthcoming match against Arsenal, two significant absences mark their squad list.

Midfielder Chiquinho continues his recovery from a long-standing knee injury. The midfielder is back training with the main group, fuelling optimism for his return in time for the pre-season.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Sasa Kalajdzic of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 03, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Sasa Kalajdzic of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 03, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, striker Sasa Kalajdzic is also ruled out as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained during his Premier League debut.

His progress trails behind Chiquinho’s, but it’s anticipated that he’ll be match-ready around the same period.