Bukayo Saka,William Saliba, Eddie Nketiah- Mikel Arteta provides injury update
April 10, 2023
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Arsenal - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 9, 2023 Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate shoots at goal with his chest REUTERS/Phil Noble
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come out to provide an injury update regarding some of his players such as French defender William Saliba and striker Eddie Nketiah. The Gunners squandered a 2-0 lead at Anfield agaisnt Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners took the lead through their Brazilian front men Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus inside the first 30 minutes of the first half.
However Mo Salah gave the hosts hope from the near post before halftime. He went on to miss a penalty a questionable challenge by Rob Holding on Diogo Jota.
It was another Brazilian Roberto Firmino who secured a point for the Kops after he headed in for Trent Alexander Arnold’s cross. Aaron Ramsdale had to make two crucial saves to help the leaders take a point from Merseyside.
Arteta has now provided an injury update on his players but Arsenal fans are more inquisitive about the return of William Saliba. The Frenchman had provided a formidable partnership with Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saliba has now missed three Premier League games. These were against Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Liverpool. The Gunners have conceded 4 goals in his absence although they are unbeaten.
They haven’t yet so much felt his absence but he will be needed especially as the 8 remaining games will be crucial in the title race. His return date is however unknown.
“We are trying to manage him in the best possible way. Unfortunately he’s not gonna be fit for this game [against Leeds] and we’re trying and he’s trying to do everything to feel better and get back training. But not yet.”
“No real changes to the rest of the players who were injured. We have some hope on one who may be able to train tomorrow but we’ll have to see,” said Mikel Arteta.
Expected return date: Unknown
Another injury of concern is Eddie Nketiah. The Hale End academy graduate filled in well in the absence of Gabriel Jesus. He fired the Gunners to a couple of impressive wins.
He is however still a few weeks from returning to the squad as per Mikel Arteta.
“He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot. He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place.
“No, no real changes to the rest of the players who were injured. We have some hope on one who may be able to train tomorrow but we’ll have to see.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohammed Elneny are out for the season. Gooners were also worried about Bukayo Saka especially after his lackluster performance in the Liverpool clash.
Apparently there is however no statement from the club concerning any injury update about him. Arsenal will back in contention with the London derby against West Ham United on Sunday.