Arsenal fans give verdict on Champions League hopes
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained that Bukayo Saka could miss both the Gunners’ Carabao Cup tie with Brentford and the following Premier League clash with Bournemouth after an injury he picked up in the north London derby. The winger was brought off in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw after receiving treatment on a knock.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s tie with Brentford, Arteta explained: “He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session. It’s a possibility (he could miss Bournemouth).”
Declan Rice was substituted at half-time as a result of a back injury, as Arteta clarified that the club were “confident” that it would not be a long-term injury, even if he could miss Wednesday’s match.
“He hasn’t trained yet,” Arteta said when asked about Rice’s availability. “He could not carry on in the game. Hopefully it’s not something big. We are confident. He is still uncomfortable and he had to leave the pitch which is never a good sign. It’s still doubtful.”
Gabriel Martinelli missed the draw with Tottenham after picking up an injury in the win away to Everton as he and another winger in Leandro Trossard will once again sit out the short trip to Brentford.
“No. For tomorrow it’s too short. Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked about the prospect of Martinelli’s return, before providing a similar update on Trossard: “Won’t be available. Let’s see how he improves day by day. He did some activity and that’s why he felt it. It was uncomfortable too.”
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While Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber remain longer-term absentees as Arteta bemoaned his lack of available players to face Thomas Frank’s outfit in a competition that is often used to help rotate key players.
“Still not available,” Arteta replied when asked about Partey. “It’s a long list! Still not. The same with Jurrien. It’s the situation that we have at the moment we have to adapt. The squad we have at the moment is really short and we have to cope.”
In more positive news, Arteta could have Mohamed Elneny to call upon in what would be his first appearance since January after undergoing knee surgery – having returned to first-team training in the last few weeks.
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