Mikel Arteta provided key updates on Arsenal’s injury concerns ahead of their crucial clash with Chelsea, with Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all at different stages of their recoveries.
The biggest positive for Arsenal is the progress of White, who returned to action after 122 days out with injury. Arteta acknowledged the importance of his availability in the final stretch of the season.
“He’s been now involved for the last two weeks almost, and he’s not reacting so that’s very positive, and Ben is a really important player for us,” Arteta said. “He brings something very different to the team dynamic, and that’s ready to happen.”
While White is nearing full fitness, Saka is still out.
The England international has been sidelined with injury and was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, but Arteta confirmed that his recovery is going well. “He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress I would say. So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”
Gabriel Martinelli is another player working his way back to match sharpness.
The Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League game since his return, but Arteta suggested that he is edging closer. “Now we have more options, but it’s true that we have to really manage the load and he’s been a little bit ahead of schedule and that’s what we didn’t want to take and we don’t want to take any more risks with him loading in with more minutes.”
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s impressive display against PSV Eindhoven was a rare bright spot for the forward, but he will not be available for selection against Chelsea due to the terms of his loan agreement.
“He played well, he was contributing to the attacking goals that we scored as well. So very good, that’s what we needed. Players in good form, in good spirit, good confidence and certainly that performance is going to help him.”
Arsenal are also without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu, all of whom are out for the rest of the season with Tomiyasu not expected back until 2026.
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