Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal FC, recently provided insights into the status of injured players Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba. Both athletes sustained injuries during last Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, where Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory. They are expected to miss the upcoming fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Current Fitness Updates
Arteta confirmed the players’ situations at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday. He stated, “Martinelli is still out, Saliba we have to wait and see.” With another training session scheduled for the afternoon, he noted that while the rest of the squad is improving, they are not yet match-ready.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Likely to miss the Burnley match.
- William Saliba: Status uncertain, pending fitness assessment.
Potential Return Timelines
While assessing Martinelli’s chances of returning soon, Arteta indicated that the upcoming match might be too early for him. Furthermore, he discussed other long-term absentees, including Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Jesus. Arteta expressed optimism regarding their recoveries.
The coach mentioned, “I would say weeks and some of them pretty soon hopefully if they keep evolving the way they are doing.” He acknowledged the upcoming international break, suggesting that several players might return shortly afterward.
Looking Ahead
If any injured players are fit to play post-international break, they could participate in the highly anticipated north London derby. Arteta conveyed his excitement about this possibility, emphasizing the impact of their return on the squad’s morale.
“I’m excited because they are tremendous players,” he remarked. “I see them work every single day and how desperate they are to be part of the team.” The return of these key players after prolonged absences could significantly benefit Arsenal as they aim for a strong performance in the upcoming matches.
