Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury update ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United on Sunday.
After three consecutive second-place finishes, Arsenal are determined to go one step further this season and finally clinch the league title. However, according to the Opta Supercomputer, Liverpool remain favourites to retain their crown. Despite that, Arteta’s side have reinforced key areas over the summer and will begin their latest title bid against familiar rivals at Old Trafford.
While Arsenal boast an almost clean bill of health, there had been concerns over the availability of Leandro Trossard and summer signing Martin Zubimendi. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed both players are expected to be fit for Sunday’s clash.
“Yeah, I think [Trossard is] much better,” Arteta said. “I think he will be able to train again tomorrow and, if that’s the case, he will be fit.”
Leandro Trossard (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Belgian winger has not featured since sustaining a muscular problem against Tottenham during pre-season, missing both Emirates Cup fixtures. Zubimendi, meanwhile, was absent from the club’s media day photographs amid illness rumours, but Arteta moved quickly to dismiss concerns.
“Yes, he had a great integration, a very big impact, and he will be fit,” the Arsenal boss confirmed.
Pre-season had also raised questions about other squad members. Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes both picked up knocks during the tour of Asia but returned to action in London, while Jurrien Timber completed his recovery from ankle surgery. Kai Havertz, who missed the Villarreal game, returned to score against Athletic Club. New arrivals Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres have also been handed valuable minutes to bed into the team.
Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United is the first of six challenging opening fixtures for Arteta, who will be eager to end the club’s growing trophy drought. The match kicks off at 4:30pm at Old Trafford.