Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on his squad’s fitness, including key updates on Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, ahead of this Saturday’s London derby at Chelsea.
Arsenal injury news ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea:
Bukayo Saka
Last time out saw Gabriel Martinelli returning from injury to dispatch of Premier League champions Manchester City, and Arsenal fans will be hoping for a similar story with Bukayo Saka this weekend.
After 87 straight Premier League appearances the winger was absent last time out, and Arteta was careful not to reveal too much surrounding the players fitness during his pre-match press conference.
“Not a lot (to say),” he told reporters.
“We haven’t had a lot of players. We’re going to do our first training session today and we’ll know more after the session.”
“He’s in contention. That’s it, what they told me. I’m not a doctor.”
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey made his return to the Emirates as a substitute last time out, after spending more than a month on the sidelines.
Whilst on international duty last week, the midfielder was brought off at half-time in Ghana’s clash with Mexico, but manager Chris Hughton gave assurances that it was only a precaution.
“Thomas was always only going to play 45 minutes,” the former Norwich City and Brighton boss said.
Ghana boss Chris Hughton says it was a pre-planned decision to substitute Thomas Partey after 45 minutes against Mexico in a bid to manage his workload as he still returning to full fitness. No injury concerns. 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/p41h2Hoj5z
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 15, 2023
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard looks set to miss this weekend’s clash, after suffering a hamstring issue against Manchester City, which resulted in the forward being replaced by Gabriel Martinelli at half-time.
As a result, Trossard was sent home from Belgium’s international camp, continuing treatment on his problem at London Colney.
William Saliva
Not much was thought of William Saliba’s fitness, after putting in a stellar performance up against Erling Haaland against Manchester City.
However, the defender withdrew from the France squad to deal with an ongoing toe injury.
Nevertheless, the issue isn’t deemed serious and Saliba is expected to feature against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta says the club have used the international break ‘to settle’ the 22-year-old’s problem, believing it ‘was the best moment to do’.
🗣️ “Hopefully not, but he [Saliba] has been carrying that [injury] for weeks now.”
🗣️ “Is he a doubt for Chelsea?”🗣️ “Depending on how he is able to train today.”
Mikel Arteta says decisions will be made on Saka and Saliba after training today. ⏳
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 20, 2023
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal’s summer signing continues his recovery after suffering an ACL injury in the season opener, and will aim to return in 2024.
