Mikel Arteta has discussed Arsenal’s progress this season and says his squad are ‘connected in the same direction’.
Arsenal face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend as the club look to continue their push for Champions League qualification.
The Gunners bounced back from a run of three straight defeats with a 4-2 win at Chelsea on Wednesday, a result which moved the North Londoners level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham.
Arteta’s side have shown progress this season despite inconsistencies and the Spaniard told his pre-match press conference that his squad is pulling together in the same direction.
“We don’t have at the moment five world class players who will hide the issues of the club. What do have is people who are so connected in the same direction,” Arteta said.
Arteta provided an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of the clash with United, confirming that Alexandre Lacazette has returned to training after testing positive for Covid-19.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also in contention, whilst Mohamed Elneny is expected to retain his place after impressing on his first appearance since New Years’s Day at Chelsea.
“[Lacazette] trained yesterday and hopefully he will be feeling today. After COVID we have players that have struggled for weeks others that have recovered quickly. Hopefully he can recover quickly.
“I say that for me [Elneny is] one of the most important players in the squad. He’s a phenomenal person and as well a great footballer that sometimes gets overlooked.”
