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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a severe shortage of attacking options for the upcoming Champions League clash due to injuries.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s potential to elevate their game to new heights in the face of a mounting injury crisis. Despite the absence of key forwards, Arteta believes that the Gunners have the capability to overcome their current challenges and achieve success in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s attacking lineup has been severely impacted by injuries, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz all sidelined. This has left Arteta with limited options up front, forcing him to rely on Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for the third consecutive game. The Gunners have struggled to find the back of the net in their last two matches, but Arteta remains confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“In the last two results, it’s been very different in terms of performance as well,” Arteta said. “Not getting the result that we want, but certainly being better, especially in the last game than the opposition. And the fact that we have still gears, even with the players that we have, some other gears to take the game to a different level”.
Arteta emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and ensuring that every player performs at their best. He believes that the strong connection within the team and their collective determination can help them overcome the current adversity. “When it comes to that stage, it’s about lifting the level and the standards. Every individual has to be at their best. And when we do that, with the team that we have and the connection that we have between us, we are a really strong team”.
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal remains focused on their Champions League campaign. The Gunners are set to face PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, and Arteta is hopeful that his team can deliver a strong performance. “Regardless in what situation you are in the league, when you start to come to this stage of the Champions League, there is something else,” he said. “You feel it in the atmosphere and the energy of the place. It’s something else because it’s a competition you don’t play weekly and you play in a moment where you are in or you are out. And that gives you urgency, and it gets the best out of you, for sure”.
Arteta’s unwavering faith in his team’s ability is an inspiration as Arsenal works through this difficult time. With their eyes set on Champions League glory, the Gunners will need to dig deep and find that extra gear to reach the next level.
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