Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of the high-stakes London derby against Chelsea.

With the Gunners looking to extend their Premier League lead, Arteta provided updates on player fitness and shared his thoughts on recent refereeing decisions.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts from the sidelines during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Arsenal FC in Munich, southern Germany on April 17, 2024. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts from the sidelines during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Arsenal FC in Munich, southern Germany on April 17, 2024. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Injury concerns and Timber’s potential return

Arteta confirmed a lingering concern over defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was left out of the squad for the Wolves match as a precaution.

However, there’s optimism surrounding Jurrien Timber‘s potential comeback after the Dutch defender is expected to feature in the Under-21s game tonight [find out how to watch that here]. If Timber comes through unscathed, Arteta could soon have more defensive options at his disposal, but clearly not for Tuesday night’s game against Chelsea.

Refereeing under the microscope

The press conference inevitably touched on the weekend’s refereeing controversies, including Chelsea‘s FA Cup loss marked by a contentious penalty decision. Arteta, while remaining diplomatic, offered his views on the importance of improving officiating: “We have to be open to everything,” he said when asked about bringing in referees from abroad. “We have owners, managers, players from everywhere. There is a very good plan to develop referees. They are on it.”

Odegaard: from wonderkid to leader

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arteta also praised Martin Odegaard‘s maturity and development, highlighting the midfielder’s ability to handle the pressure of early expectations: “He had to wear that kit [wonderkid label] since he was 14, 15. I think he handled that in a good way, especially when he went to Real Sociedad, I think it was a really intelligent move. Now we have the player that we have.”

Balancing injuries, fatigue, and ambition

While acknowledging the toll of injuries, Arteta praised his squad’s adaptability and resilience: “The fact is as well that we had a lot of injuries in that [left] side. The fact that we haven’t had Thomas Partey has affected us to play Declan Rice in a different way too. I look at it as a positive to play players in different positions.”

Despite a quick turnaround following the late Saturday night win over Wolves, Arteta is confident his players are energised and ready: “When I see them this morning I have to stop them because winning is a big boost of energy. After winning against Wolves and having to play a London Derby, everyone is ready. We have to think and feel that we are fresh to play in the best possible way.”