Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared the latest news on several players who remain doubts ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners return to the Emirates Stadium hoping to respond after their narrow 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.
Saliba, Timber and Rice face late checks
Arteta spoke about William Saliba first, on the Arsenal official website. The defender has missed the last three matches, and his status remains unclear.
The manager explained that the team did not train the previous day, which means they will need to assess him later.
“We have to wait and see,” Mikel said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, “yesterday we did not train, so we have an extra day between this afternoon, let us see if he can be available or not. It remains the same. If you asked me for the Everton game, I think he will be fit; for tomorrow, I do not know.”
Jurrien Timber was also discussed after he missed the Champions League match against Club Brugge. Arteta explained the situation, adding that the defender had picked up a knock.
“Again, depends how he feels today. It was a knock that he picked, and he was not feeling comfortable,” Mikel added. “So again, I think it is a matter of days, but whether it is tomorrow or not we will see.”
Declan Rice was another concern during midweek action. The midfielder missed the Brugge match due to illness. Arteta shared hope that the issue would ease in time.
“*Let us see how he is today. He was ill, that is an illness, normally in a few days it gets resolved, but we have to wait and see.*”
Trossard monitored as Jesus gains rhythm
Arteta also spoke about Leandro Trossard, who scored against Aston Villa but was later substituted.
The manager explained that his recovery will also depend on how he feels.
“Again, another one that is a matter of days. It sounds boring, but it is the reality, so we do not know.”
While several players remain uncertain, Gabriel Jesus has given the team a boost. The striker made his long awaited return when he came off the bench against Club Brugge.
It was his first competitive appearance in almost a year after his serious knee injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup last season.
“*We know his quality,” Mikel said on the Brazilian, “a player that has given us so much and he comes with the energy that came the other day (against Brugge). He is certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for [minutes], that is for sure.*”
Arsenal remain focused on sustaining their title push. A strong result against Wolves would help keep their momentum as they aim for the Premier League crown.