Three Things We Learned From Arsenal v Spurs.mp4
Arsenal could be without key players in today’s match against Aston Villa.
The Gunners succeeded in a 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, but the game was partly marred by a fitness issue for influential midfielder Rice and centre-back Mosquera. The injury concerns keep on mounting for Arsenal, after William Saliba sat out his second game in a row due to a knock sustained in training last weekend.
Any enforced absence for Rice comes at the worst possible time for Arsenal, who have a packed fixture schedule with upcoming games against Aston Villa, Club Brugge, Wolves, Everton and Crystal Palace before Christmas. As for Saliba, Arsenal fans were stunned to see him not involved when the team sheet dropped at Chelsea, with Arsenal writing on social media: “William Saliba misses out after a knock in training.”
Arteta did not specify exactly what the issue was as he addressed the media before and after the game, but revealed that the centre-back would undergo further examination by medical staff on Monday to determine its extent. “I think he has another test tomorrow to see the extent of that feeling, that sensation that he had, then we'll know more,” Arteta said.
Arsenal could be without key players in today’s match against Aston Villa. (Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)placeholder image
Arsenal could be without key players in today’s match against Aston Villa. (Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Providing a further update on Tuesday ahead of the Brentford game, Arteta said Saliba had a small issue but did not rule out the prospect of him playing on Wednesday ahead of a final pre-match training session. “He had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days, so let’s see if he’s able to be there tomorrow,” Arteta said.
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He added: “The ankle one [earlier in the season] was really random, and a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield, he wasn’t comfortable and he had to stay away. This one as well, very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.”
Saliba was not involved against Brentford in the end so will hope to push to be back at Villa Park, with Arteta saying on Friday: “It is a matter of days, for sure. After the training session, we will know more.” Potential return date for the footballer is Saturday December 6, vs Aston Villa.
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