Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal will head to the Stadium of Light without any new injury concerns following their midweek win in Prague, though several key players remain sidelined ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Sunderland.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “We remain the same and nobody new that can join the squad, so all the same.”
Asked to confirm the absentees, he added: “I cannot confirm all of that, but you are not far,” in reference to Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke, all of whom are still recovering.
There was some cautious optimism, however, with Arteta hinting that several of those players could return after the international break. “There are a lot of things that have to happen in the next two weeks and everything has to be perfect, but I think we’ll be very close with most of them to be in a really strong position,” he said when asked about their availability for the North London derby later this month.
The most encouraging news surrounds Gabriel Jesus, who has rejoined full training after 10 months out with a knee injury. The Brazilian has endured a difficult rehabilitation period following ACL surgery, complicated by previous issues in the same area.
Arteta was measured about his timeline. “I’m thrilled to have him,” Arteta said. “I think he’s going to add something extra to the team that we don’t have, and make sure that very soon we see him on that pitch making an impact for the team.
“It’s about making the steps day-by-day in a different surrounding. He’s been doing everything on his own; now he’s got players around him, very competitive players around him, and let’s see how he copes with that. But he’s full of energy, I love the reaction of all his teammates when he first joined us and great to have him back.”
Arsenal travel north in fine form, having equalled a club record for clean sheets set in 1903 with their eighth in succession during the midweek victory over Slavia Prague. They are chasing an 11th consecutive win in all competitions..
Sunderland, sitting fourth after an excellent start to the season, have their own injury list to contend with. Habib Diarra, Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, and Aji Alese are all unavailable, while Omar Alderete faces a late fitness test after suffering a head injury.
Manager Régis Le Bris admitted uncertainty over his forward’s condition, saying: “We don’t know yet [whether he’ll be fit to face Arsenal], he had a residual symptom, so we have to assess his health.”
For Arsenal, the match represents another test of depth before the break, but with players close to returning and momentum building, Arteta’s side arrive in the North East full of confidence.