Mikel Arteta is balancing his squad’s workload amidst a series of injuries, striving to keep the team’s Premier League title challenge on track.
Arsenal, currently leading the league, are managing player fitness issues as they maintain their position ahead of Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta is managing Arsenal’s squad’s workload amidst a spate of injuries, as they aim to sustain their lead at the top of the Premier League. Despite the challenges, the Gunners are currently two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool after 14 games.
Key defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White have recently suffered injury problems.
Tomiyasu is dealing with a calf problem sustained in the match against Wolves, and a decision on his availability for the upcoming match against Luton will be made closer to the game.
Meanwhile, White, who had been suffering from a muscular problem, is now feeling “perfect,” according to Arteta.
Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond these two players, with Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Jurrien Timber all sidelined.
Arsenal staff are keenly aware of the need to keep players fresh, especially with the demanding Christmas fixture list approaching.
According to Sportsmail, some Arsenal players have been undertaking private sessions away from the club’s London Colney headquarters to ensure they are in peak physical condition.
Last season, injuries at critical times were a significant factor in Arsenal being surpassed by Manchester City in the title race. The absence of key players like William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, particularly Saliba in the final weeks, was acutely felt.
Arteta, speaking ahead of the Kenilworth Road clash, remains positive about the team’s prospects. “It’s still a huge marathon ahead of us,” he said.
“The encouragement comes from watching the team play, watching them behave every day and how hungry and willing they are to approach every training session. That’s what gives me encouragement.”
In the goalkeeping department, Arteta expressed his desire to retain Aaron Ramsdale amidst speculation about his future.
Ramsdale, who lost his starting position to David Raya, is aiming for a spot in England’s squad for the European Championship next summer.
While Arteta couldn’t guarantee Ramsdale’s stay at Arsenal, he emphasised the value of having two highly capable goalkeepers in the team.
“I cannot tell you that any Arsenal player is not going to leave in January. Or he is to stay here for the next three years. I want Aaron with us. I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers,” Arteta said.