Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update for three of his players ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe all missed the Gunners’ loss against title-rivals Manchester City on Wednesday evening, whilst Mohamed Elneny also missed out with a long-term injury.
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Jesus is still not quite there to be back in the squad, as he continues to recover from his knee injury suffered on Brazil duty at the World Cup.
Partey has started 18 of Arsenal‘s 22 Premier League matches this term, and is a key cog in their midfield. Arteta confirmed that Partey will be assessed today before they can confirm whether the Ghanaian has any involvement in Saturday’s squad or not.
The Spaniard also revealed that Smith Rowe is back in full training, and will be part of tomorrow’s squad so long as no problems arise.
Arteta’s Comments
“We have to assess (Partey) today again. He had some discomfort, a little muscle discomfort,” he said.
“We have to assess him and see how he is. Emile will be training today, if he’s fine he’ll be in the squad. Gabi is still not there.”
⏳ Thomas Partey
✅ Emile Smith Rowe
❌ Gabriel JesusMikel Arteta gives a team news update ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/wB2G5Fq2x9
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 17, 2023
Arsenal are now without a win in their last four matches in all competitions. Two losses to Man City, a loss to Everton, and a home draw against Brentford has seen the Gunners drop out of the FA Cup, and be knocked off the top-spot in the league.
Arteta opened up on his side’s recent form.
“Obviously you want to get maximum points and we didn’t in the last three games,” he added. “We have to look at ourselves as well, we have to be more efficient for the amount of play and situations that we’ve generated.
“We’ve not had enough points and that’s down to us. We have to improve that because we want to win more games.”
❌ 1-0 vs. Everton
🤝 1-1 vs. Brentford
❌ 1-3 vs. Manchester CityMikel Arteta on Arsenal’s rocky run of form recently. 📉 pic.twitter.com/IyQaOMZNyN
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 17, 2023
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is at the helm at Villa Park now of course, and Arteta spoke about the prospect of facing off against his fellow Spaniard.
“Well he always puts a difficult test,” he said. “A very, very good manager, huge respect for him for what he’s done in every club that he’s been at, the success that he’s had. So big respect for him.”
🗣️ “He will always put a very difficult test, a very, very good manager. Huge respect for him and for what he’s done and success that he’s had.”
Mikel Arteta on former gunners boss Unai Emery. 🇪🇸🤝 pic.twitter.com/Ts7Fu61148
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 17, 2023
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