Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said on Friday that a number of key players are still uncertain for Saturday’s Matchday 15 clash away to Aston Villa.
Speaking from the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta explained that the team’s final training session will determine who is fit enough for the early kick-off.
When pressed for injury updates, he made it clear early on that he would not be giving definitive answers ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
“Let’s see. I think with all the questions I’m going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same.
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones.”
Arteta noted that defender Mosquera remains the biggest doubt, saying: “That’s the one that is more complicated, but again, we have another test today to see where we are with them.”
On William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, he offered a slightly more positive outlook: “It is a matter of days with those two, for sure.”
Asked specifically about Declan Rice, he echoed his earlier stance: “Let’s see. I think with all the questions I’m going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same. We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones.”
Taking on the Premier League’s Form Team
With Unai Emery’s Aston Villa currently one of the league’s strongest sides, Arteta recognised the challenge awaiting them at Villa Park.
He said: “For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that. We know obviously the manager and the incredible job he’s done there as well, so we know the task tomorrow but we always take it as an opportunity.”
Asked whether Emery’s Arsenal history adds tension to the fixture, Arteta pushed the idea aside: “I don’t know… in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he’s good enough in himself.”
Title Race, Fatigue, and a Busy Schedule
With a crucial period of the season approaching, Arteta emphasised the need for unwavering consistency.
He said: “Consistency, again, to perform at the highest level and win another game… that’s exactly how we have to take it every game.”
On whether Aston Villa should be considered contenders, he was direct:
“Well, if they continue where they are already… I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure.”
Arteta also spoke about how improved depth has boosted his squad’s ability to compete compared to last season:
“Great… when you look at the bench and you can say, now we can change the game. Or last year when we were in February to May, look there, and we had two players really, so that’s a huge difference.”
‘Perform, Prepare, and Be Ready’
While Arteta reiterated that player availability will only become clear after the final session, he underlined that Arsenal’s objective remains unchanged as they continue their title pursuit.
“We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow… and be ready for it to fulfil our potential.”
