Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on several key players ahead of the team’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Preston North End on Wednesday night. The Gunners are currently dealing with a number of injuries, but Arteta is confident in the squad’s depth and resilience.
Here’s what manager Mikel Arteta had to say about key players returning and who could get an opportunity in the Carabao Cup fourth round tomorrow night.
Gabriel Magalhaes : The Brazilian centre-back picked up a knee injury during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday. Arteta confirmed that Gabriel is undergoing assessments, but the initial prognosis is not as severe as initially feared. He stated, “We’re still assessing him. It doesn’t look bad at all. It was much better the next day.”
Jurrien Timber: The Dutch defender, who was making his return from injury, appeared to be cramping during the Liverpool match. Arteta reassured that Timber is fine and there is no new injury. He added, “Jurrien is fine. Obviously, he was very tired, he’d been out for a while and he could not continue the game. But there is nothing, no new injury there at all.”
Riccardo Calafiori: The Italian defender suffered a knee injury in the Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. Arteta confirmed that Calafiori will be out for a few weeks, which is a significant blow to the team’s defensive options.
Martin Odegaard: The Arsenal captain has been making good progress in his recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained on international duty. Arteta expressed optimism that Odegaard could return to action before the upcoming international break. He said, “He’s been on the grass for a few weeks but there is still a few boxes to tick. Hopefully, he’ll be back before the international break.”
Kieran Tierney: The Scottish left-back is also making good progress in his recovery. Arteta mentioned that Tierney looks sharp and is close to returning to full training. He added, “I think he’s quite close, he looks good, really sharp. He hasn’t trained with the team yet, hopefully, he can do that in the next week or two.
Despite the injury setbacks, Arteta remains positive and focused on the upcoming match. He emphasized the importance of the Carabao Cup and his commitment to the competition. Arteta stated, “I live it exactly the same as the Premier League. I have the same feeling in my tummy, the same uncertainty, the same way to prepare. I’m going to be there close to the game and I just want to win the game, for sure.”
Arteta also highlighted the opportunity for younger players to step up and gain valuable experience. He praised the performance of academy talents in recent matches and encouraged the squad to approach every game with the same determination and focus.
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