Mikel Arteta has spoken ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, and there was plenty to discuss.
Arsenal face a challenging game against the Premier League leaders, with several key players set to miss the match through injury and suspension.
Arteta’s side lost at Bournemouth last weekend, meaning if they lose at home to Liverpool, they could find themselves seven points off top spot.
Here are the main talking points from Mikel Arteta’s press conference…
Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber injury updates
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber missed training, but Arteta has refused to rule them out of contention.
“We’re going to do our very best to somehow have them available but it’s very uncertain,” he stated.
“Yes, he [Saka] has done a bit of training on the grass. How far we can get him to Sunday, that’s a different question. We have another day, which is a good thing, but we’ll see.
“Timber, again, it’s the first session that he could have some involvement. He’s been out for a while, we expected him to be further back than where he is at the moment but, again, we have to wait and see.”
If Timber is out, then Arteta will be seriously short of defensive options.
Mikel Arteta laments William Saliba suspension
Centre-back William Saliba will miss the game after receiving a red card against Bournemouth last week, in a huge blow for Arsenal and Arteta, who has admitted his side will need to find a solution.
“Well we have different options, players that have already played there before,” he stated.
“It’s true that that partnership has been very stable, he’s played every single moment. He’s not available, we have to find a different solution which is something that, as a team, we need to be good at as well.
“Obviously we had so much going on, especially in the backline. The first few months of the season, we had to adapt to that. That’s why we have as well, some versatile players that have been really, really helpful.
“But, yeah, ideally would have other options as well and more consistency, but that’s the situation that we have at the moment.”
Mikel Arteta praises Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Arne Slot has enjoyed a record-breaking start to life as Liverpool manager, and Arteta has praised the Dutchman.
“Yes, very good. They’re obviously in a really good moment, they’re on a great run and you can see the touch that he’s given to a team that was already very strong, but you can see his fingerprints on that team,” he replied when asked about the Liverpool boss.
“The team that they have, the infrastructure they already have and the individuals that they have and because he’s a really a good manager.
“He has inherited a team that is already very successful and he’s giving it his touch to maintain that and to evolve that probably he believes it’s the right way to do it.
“Obviously, from the beginning, when you look at that squad, you think they’re going to be right in the mix.”
Arteta defiant over Arsenal injury crisis
Arteta was asked about Arsenal’s injury situation, but he rallied on the club to persevere despite the tough circumstances.
“This is the game, you know, obviously, we didn’t want to be in that situation, but we are really lucky as well to have the squad that we have, to have the players that we have, to have the attitude that we have,” Arteta stated.
“When it comes down to reacting against a difficult situation and don’t feel sorry for ourselves, face it. We are a team that we know how good we are as well and how difficult we can be for the opponent. And having that ruthless mentality in the team is something that I love.”
Arsenal’s preparation for Liverpool
Arteta was asked if anything had changed in his preparation for the Liverpool game, and he reflected on the past week.
“Obviously after the defeat with 10 men at Bournemouth we had to pick ourselves up. I think we started the game so well.
“At first it was really good and should have been very different with the scoreline. It wasn’t and in the end that left us feeling that it should’ve been more.
“They had a day off, two days to prepare again like we always do, and it’s a big match. We’re all excited about it, it’s a big opportunity.
“We love these kind of matches at the Emirates. We know what our people are going to generate and the team is really looking forward to it.”
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