Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga is prepared to return to action for Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Southampton. Kepa, who is 31 years old, has faced challenges recently, including a costly mistake in the recent Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, where Arsenal lost 2-0. Despite these setbacks, Arteta is ready to reintegrate Kepa into the lineup for the match at St Mary’s Stadium this Saturday.
Kepa’s FA Cup Experience
Throughout this season, Kepa has participated solely in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and a Champions League match against Kairat. He has been instrumental for Arsenal during their FA Cup campaign, playing every minute. Arteta expressed confidence in Kepa, stating, “He is ready to play.” The manager emphasized that while errors are part of football, he values a player’s attitude and commitment over singular mistakes.
Support from Teammates and Staff
Kepa’s teammates and the coaching staff have provided him with strong support following his recent performances. Arteta noted that Kepa has experienced many highs and lows throughout his career, making him well-equipped to handle pressure. “He’s got so much experience,” Arteta added, indicating his belief in Kepa’s readiness to perform.
Arsenal’s Title Race and Upcoming Matches
Despite their recent disappointment at Wembley, Arsenal remains nine points ahead in the Premier League title race. They will face Championship side Southampton with aspirations to reach the FA Cup semifinals. Additionally, Arsenal is set to play against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal next week.
Reflecting on Recent Setbacks
Following the defeat to Manchester City, Arteta has been vocal about the need to learn from this experience. He described the loss as “like a ball of poison in your tummy,” emphasizing the importance of using it as motivation moving forward. Arteta believes that embracing past disappointments can drive the team’s performance in upcoming crucial matches.
With the season’s climax approaching, Arteta’s focus is on remaining competitive and using recent experiences to fuel the team’s drive towards achieving their goals.
