Mikel Arteta has emphasized that he and his Arsenal players “do not feel sorry for ourselves,” despite facing injuries to several key players ahead of their Premier League match against title contenders Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners are already without captain Martin Ødegaard, who has missed the last nine games due to an injury sustained while representing Norway during the September international break.
Additionally, winger Bukayo Saka is sidelined after limping off in England’s loss to Greece earlier this month.
Concerns also arise regarding defender Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness, as he was substituted during Arsenal’s recent victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. Fellow defender Jurrien Timber has also missed the last three matches due to a muscle injury.
Centre-back William Saliba is unavailable after receiving a red card in the defeat against Bournemouth, leaving Arteta potentially needing to field a team against league leaders Liverpool with five key players absent.
“This is the game,” Arteta said.
“Obviously we didn’t want to be in those situations but we are really lucky as well to have the squad that we have, to have the players that we have, to have the attitude that we have.
“When it comes down to reacting to a difficult situation, don’t feel sorry for ourselves; face it.
“We are a team that know how good we are as well and how difficult we can be for the opponent. Having that ruthless mentality in the team is something I love.”
Arteta described the situation regarding the injured trio of Saka, Calafiori and Timber as “very uncertain” but kept his ideas of how to replace the suspended Saliba close to his chest.
“We have different options [in defence],” Arteta said.
“That partnership [between Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution. [There is] so much going on with the backline but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful.
“We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game.
“This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates. The team is really looking forward to it.
“We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this.
“Arne Slot’s start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They’re a team who for nine years have been competing at the highest level.”