Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has offered the latest update on Arsenal’s injury situation following their 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
With the Premier League title race slipping further out of reach, the Gunners now appear to be shifting their focus to the Champions League. Arsenal have collected just two points from their last three league matches, leaving them 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. However, their European hopes remain alive, with Arteta’s side in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals after a dominant 7-1 victory over PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
One positive from the draw at Old Trafford was the return of Gabriel Martinelli, who made his comeback from injury earlier than expected. However, Arsenal remain short on attacking options, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined.
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Saka has been out of action since undergoing hamstring surgery in December. The England international travelled with the squad to Dubai last month to continue his recovery, and Arsenal remain optimistic that he will return before the end of the season.
However, Arteta confirmed after Sunday’s match that Saka would not be making an early return like Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli returned ahead of schedule against Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)
“With Gabi, it was a bit different—the kind of injury that he had,” Arteta explained.“And we talked last week that he was much closer than B. After the international break, let’s see where he (Saka) is. His progress is really good, he is really willing—as you can all imagine—so we are positive that in a few weeks, hopefully, he will be back.”
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Arteta also expressed his delight at having Martinelli back in the squad ahead of schedule, emphasising the importance of consistency in Arsenal’s performances.
“We have to rely on what we can do better with the players that we already have, and we have to be consistent because we did so well four days ago,” Arteta said.
“It’s about doing it again and again—what we did last week. I’m very positive that with the ones that we have, we can do better in terms of what we produce in the final third.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Champions League as they welcome PSV on Wednesday for their return fixture.
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