Arsenal return to Premier League play this weekend against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the league season in the capital, but Mikel Arteta is hampered by a variety of injuries.
The north Londoners were dealt a number of blows prior to the international break. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard all pulled out of their respective international squads following the remarkable triumph over Manchester City.
It was revealed that Saliba had been playing with a toe ailment, while the Belgian winger had a hamstring condition that had forced him to miss time earlier in the season.
Saka, for example, missed the win over City after picking up another knock in the Champions League loss to RC Lens. The Hale End academy graduate was unavailable for England’s victories over Australia and Italy, leaving Arteta to supply the most recent information on his three stars.
“Not a lot,” he replied when asked about team news. “We haven’t had many players. We’ll have our first training session today, and we’ll know more after that.”
The Gunners manager was asked if Saka wanted to play after missing the last game. He stated, “I’m sure he wants to play, yes.” Later, he added, “He’s been working so hard to be fit for this game.” Let’s see where he is today.”
Arteta also gave an upbeat update on Saliba, stressing that there is still hope that the problem isn’t long-term. “Hopefully not, but obviously he’s been carrying that for weeks now and we have to give him time to settle,” he said. “It depends on how he trains today,” he remarked of his prospects of playing.
football.london comprehends Saka, Saliba, and Trossard could all play against Chelsea on Saturday, depending on what occurs in training on Friday at London Colney.
Thomas Partey played twice for Ghana during the international break, indicating that he will be part against Stamford Bridge. Jurrien Timber of the Netherlands is still sidelined after receiving successful surgery for an ACL injury.
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