Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates.
After three games on the road, Arsenal return back home to the Emirates on Wednesday night as the Gunners host Bolton Wanderers.
The League One outfit will battle the Premier League title challengers for the chance to advance in the Carabao Cup, as the two sides meet in the third round.
Despite coming off the back of away duels to Spurs, Atalanta and Manchester City, it’s still set to be a challenge for the Gunners, who have a few injury concerns.
Arsenal team news ahead of Bolton Wanderers clash
After the drama that unfolded at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, many are still recovering from the late theatrics against City.
Arsenal played the entire second half with 10 men when defending a 2-1 lead at the home of the champions however, have managed to come under fierce scrutiny for their approach.
When quizzed on team news ahead of the clash with Bolton, Mikel Arteta referenced the ‘dark arts’ term that has surrounded the squad after the City draw.
“I always prefer the facts to words than supposing things. Let’s see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts,” Arteta explained in the pre-match press-conference.
“Unfortunately there will be a few players not available. Tomorrow you will find out.”
As expected, the boss kept his cards close to his chest regarding who exactly will be unavailable to make the squad against Bolton, with several players rumoured to be doubts after City.
Riccardo Calafiori was forced to withdraw, as well as Jurrien Timber, with concern also coming from Ben White and David Raya, who was spotted limping when leaving the Etihad.
Mikel Arteta provides Oleksandr Zinchenko injury update
Aside from the first team regulars who are fresh doubts to face Bolton, there are several existing concerns from those around the favoured XI.
Speaking in the pre-match press-conference, Arteta shed some light on the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who hasn’t featured since the international break.
Arteta shared that the defender ‘will be out for a few more weeks’ as he continues to nurse a calf injury.
The Gunners are also without fellow full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injury, putting pressure on the status of both Calafiori and Timber.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
