Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta says he’s “praying” that the worldwide break will move with out including to their already vital health issues.
Arteta described the latest harm setbacks as an “absolute nightmare” and solid doubt on whether or not Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice could be accessible for England’s upcoming Nations League video games towards Greece and the Republic of Eire.
Each Saka and Rice had been compelled to depart the sector throughout Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, with Saka limping off late within the match and Rice enjoying by the ache of a damaged toe suffered within the earlier sport towards Newcastle.
Martin Odegaard returned to Arsenal’s lineup for the primary time since late August after an ankle harm, whereas Gabriel Martinelli just lately sustained a calf harm whereas on worldwide obligation with Brazil.
Arsenal have additionally missed different key gamers this season, together with Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, because the membership offers with a slew of health points forward of their subsequent sport on November 23 towards Nottingham Forest.
“What I’m praying is that after the worldwide break we’ve the group absolutely bodily outfitted. That they’re accessible and that they’re match as a result of it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks,” Arteta mentioned.
🗞️ As we speak’s outcome
🗞️ Odegaard’s efficiency
🗞️ Health updates on Rice and SakaEach phrase from Mikel’s post-Chelsea presser is obtainable to learn now 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 10, 2024
“Doubt after doubt, situation after situation, not solely with those that aren’t in a position to play, however with those who’re in a position to play just for sure moments and never in a position to play.”
When requested about Saka and Rice’s availability for England, Arteta mentioned: “It doesn’t look good, as a result of for 2 gamers of that significance to inform you they can’t proceed within the sport, clearly it’s not excellent news.
“[They are] two gamers that simply got here off, I don’t know whether or not to anticipate them to be match as a result of if [they are] they don’t come off.”
Arteta added that he intends to seek the advice of with Odegaard earlier than deciding on his participation in Norway’s upcoming worldwide fixtures.
