Ahead of Arsenal's crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday, manager Mikel Arteta provided a cautious update regarding his team’s injury situation. Arsenal comes into the match in high spirits, having secured three consecutive victories, including a dominant 5-2 win over West Ham last Saturday. However, Arteta remained tight-lipped when asked about the fitness of several players. The Gunners saw Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel suffer injuries during their recent victory, while Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino missed the match due to minor issues.
Arteta stated that the final decision on player availability would come after a meeting later in the day, as the team was still in the process of monitoring and assessing the players' conditions. He confirmed that the players involved were eager to play, but no concrete update was provided on their fitness. Arsenal also continues to cope with long-term absentees in fullbacks Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, with no new information on their recovery timelines.
Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal enters the match with confidence, having won six of their last seven encounters against Manchester United at home. The Gunners have also shown offensive firepower in recent games, netting five goals in two consecutive matches, further boosting their morale. However, Arteta acknowledged the challenge posed by Manchester United under their new manager, Ruben Amorim, who has begun to imprint his vision on the team. Arteta observed the immediate difference in United's style under Amorim and recognized the energy and ideas the Portuguese manager brings to the club.
Arteta’s own experience as a manager started under similar circumstances when he took over at Arsenal in the middle of a tumultuous season. Reflecting on that period, Arteta shared that the biggest lesson he learned was just how unpredictable the job could be. He recalled stepping into the role amid difficult circumstances, including the added complication of the Covid-19 pandemic, which made the job even more challenging.
Looking ahead to the upcoming FA Cup match against Manchester United in January, Arteta expressed the importance of facing top teams. He remarked on the unpredictability of cup draws, emphasizing that to win titles, you must defeat the strongest teams. Arsenal’s focus remains on their preparation for the upcoming challenge, with Arteta urging his players to remain determined and focused on their objectives.
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