Rob Edwards has learned the status of this weekend’s opposition’s squad, as Mikel Arteta has shared an update on his injury concerns.
The Gunners have had quite a few injury issues over the last few weeks, and that offers some hope for the Old Gold.
However, while a weakened Arsenal side would be a positive, the players they have to replace them with are still top quality.
One of the biggest areas for concern for Arteta is the status of his centre-back options. Wolves could play two strikers up front to cause problems if the London side’s options are slim.
POV: You are Rob Edwards, and the one player you hope is not in Arsenal’s starting XI on Saturday is ________.
Complete the sentence, and let us know below!
Mikel Arteta gives update on Saliba, Rice, Trossard and Timber
Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera are both ruled out for Wolves’ trip to play Arsenal, and that is already two central defenders out of the running for Mikel Arteta.
Additionally, William Saliba is in a race against time to be declared fit for Saturday, and Jurrien Timber is the same.
The Arsenal manager has now provided an update on those two players, as well as Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, and Rob Edwards is sure to be interested in what was said.
Speaking at his pre-Wolves press conference, Arteta said (via BBC Sport) the following about each:
- On William Saliba: “He hasn’t trained with us yet. Let’s see if he can be available.”
- On Jurrien Timber: “It depends how he feels today. It’s a matter of days.”
- On Declan Rice: “Let’s see how he is today. He was ill; normally in a few days it gets resolved.”
- On Leandro Trossard: “Another one that is a matter of days. Sounds boring, but that is the reality.”
How many points can you see Wolves getting over their next five matches? 🤔
In truth, there was little given away by the Arsenal manager, who is seemingly keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Saturday.
Mikel Arteta knows the risk of playing a team in Wolves’ situation
Any suggestions that Wolves could sneak a result due to Arsenal being complacent have been shot down by Arteta.
Arteta said, “[There is that risk] in any Premier League match and especially against a team that is fighting for results. I know the manager well and how he will push his players. We know what we have to do.”
Rob Edwards will instead need to get his game plan spot on if there is to be any joy on Saturday, and Andy Thompson believes Fer Lopez should be part of that plan.
Wolves cannot afford to make any mistakes, as Arsenal are a side who can punish even the smallest of errors.
Let’s hope this can be a famous away day for the travelling pack.
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