The Boss, Mikel Arteta had his press conference today ahead of this weekend’s North London Derby.
The Manager of the Month winner for November/December. Mikel Arteta talked to the media ahead of the huge fixture against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. The main focus of this press conference were the Saka’s fitness levels, Jesus rehabilitation process and the potential transfer for Ukrainian wonderkid Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Bukayo Saka came off in the 75th minute of the FA Cup game against Oxford United, supposedly after he felt a discomfort in his knee. The Arsenal’s most expensive player had to leave the pitch with the help of the club’s physios and the fans were scared that he could miss next couple of games. But, Arteta today calmed all the fans saying Saka is ok and the supporters are sure that he will be involved on Sunday’s North London Derby.
Arteta on Saka: “I think he will be OK.”
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 13, 2023
The questions were also asked about Gabriel Jesus and his rehabilitation process. Jesus came off injured in Brazil’s third group stage game at the World Cup against Cameroon, and later checks showed that Jesus will miss up to 3-4 months due to injury. However, Jesus surprised everyone with his work ethics and how far he came since the injury. Arteta stated that he is progressing very well and that he will recover in time Arsenal set for him.
Arteta on Jesus’ recovery:
“He’s in the right place in terms of the time we set for him, but he’s still a bit far. I’d like to see him very quickly, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen. Let’s see.”
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 13, 2023
When asked about Mykhaylo Mudryk and is he and the club following his social media activity, Arteta gave the reporters The Wenger’s famous smile and said that he can’t talk about the players not currently at the club, as well as the club is trying their hardest to improve and strengthen the team in every window.
Arteta on Mudryk:
“We can’t talk about players, there is interest in things we would like to do. We are a bit short, we are trying.”
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 13, 2023
The media was also curious about this weekend’s North London Derby and what Mikel Arteta’s expects when facing them. He said that he is very excited about the game and that it is one of the biggest games of the season. He also stated that Tottenham are a very good side who have many tools to cause problems, but he also stated that Arsenal have the great opportunity to win at their ground for the first time since 2014, and we are good enough to go there, play our own game and ultimately win the game.
🗣️ “We’re going to have to prove that we are good enough to go there to play our way and to win the match.”
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have something to prove as they bid to take victory at Tottenham for the first time since 2014 in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/G1Uq9p0v8U
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 13, 2023
Arsenal are currently 1st in the table with 5 points ahead of Manchester City who are 2nd, whilst Tottenham are 5th, two points behind Manchester United in 4th.
Hopefully the boys can win a North London Derby away from home for the first time since 2014…
