Arsenal’s injury concerns deepened as Mikel Arteta confirmed that William Saliba missed the midweek League Cup match against Brentford with a knock.
The Gunners bounced back from a North London Derby disappointment with a 1-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup, the injury worries continue to multiply.
Addressing the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on the south coast, Arteta expressed his concern over the expanding injury list at the Emirates Stadium.
The list of sidelined players now includes key names such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira, and most recently, William Saliba.
“They are all in the same pool. Willy [Saliba] as well had a knock. Fabio wasn’t involved in the last game. We have a few. We have to see and adapt to the situation because that’s a big number,” Arteta explained.
Still grappling with the repercussions of a double injury blow during the derby, Arteta has provided updates on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Both players were unavailable for the midweek clash against Brentford and continue to remain sidelined.
READ MORE: Injury update on Bukayo Saka ahead of Bournemouth game this weekend
Regarding Declan Rice, Arteta stated, “He wasn’t available. He had to leave the London Derby, and he hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two, so we’ll have more news about him today.”
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who also suffered injuries prior to the derby, remain on the injury list. Arteta revealed that Martinelli has yet to rejoin the squad.
“Again, he hasn’t trained. We want him back, we need him back, but at the moment he’s not been available.”
Despite the mounting injury crisis, Arteta is optimistic that players like Jorginho, Reiss Nelson, and possibly Emile Smith Rowe would seize the opportunity to step up and contribute to the team.
Arsenal faces Bournemouth next, and Arteta is tasked with navigating the challenges posed by the injuries, hoping to replicate their previous success at the Vitality Stadium last season.
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