Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s biggest concern as he describes the situation as a ‘nightmare.’
Arsenal have slipped nine points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League after failing to win any of their last four matches, partly due to injuries to crucial players.
Mikel Arteta is eager to have his squad back to full fitness, acknowledging that injuries have created a “nightmare” situation over the last two months.
The Gunners head into the international break in fourth place, level on points with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton. Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge leaves them facing a nine-point gap to league leaders Liverpool after 11 games.
Martin Odegaard returned to the starting line-up after two months out, but Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka had to be subbed off, adding to Arteta’s injury worries. Both players are doubts for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland and may join Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the injury list.
Arsenal’s failure to win any of their last four league matches continued as they couldn’t hold onto the lead given by Gabriel Martinelli against Chelsea. Pedro Neto’s long-range equalizer extended Arsenal’s frustrations.
“You could see everything was flowing, but again it’s about winning,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the match. “We have a clear vision of how to evolve the team. But it’s clear we have to change something significant because we’re facing problem after problem. My biggest concern is having players physically at their best for 90 minutes. With that, I’m confident we’ll have a good season.”
Liverpool were the biggest winners over the weekend, with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, as Manchester City lost 2-1 to Brighton. Liverpool now lead City by five points and Arsenal by nine points, along with the rest of the chasing teams.
Addressing the title race in his press conference, Arteta again highlighted Arsenal’s injury issues. “There’s nothing we can do about that,” he said. “What I’m hoping is that after the international break, the team is physically prepared, available, and fit, as it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks.
“There’s been uncertainty and issue after issue, not just with players who can’t play but also with those who can only play limited minutes.”
Arsenal next face high-flying Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 23, hoping Rice, Saka, and Calafiori will
be fit and ready.
