Arteta Prays For Arsenal Players No One Injured Again After Returning From International Jeda

Mikel Arteta hopes that Arsenal players will be fit when they return from the international break (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prayed that his players would avoid further injuries during this month's international break.

This season, Arteta's biggest enemy is player fitness. Currently, he has lost Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney.

Most recently, after fighting Chelsea on Sunday, November 10, 2024, Arteta doubts Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice's fitness.

Therefore, he changed the two names in the middle of the second half.

The problem is, Saka and Rice are included in the England squad which will play two UEFA Nations League matches against Greece (15 November 2024) and the Republic of Ireland (18 November 2024).

"I pray, after the international break, we have a team that is fully physically ready. They are ready and fit because this is a nightmare for eight weeks."

"Reluct after doubt, problem after problem, not only with those who can't play. However, also with those who can only play for certain moments and can't play," said Arteta.

Rice started despite a broken leg a week earlier in Newcastle.

Meanwhile Saka limped off the pitch nine minutes before the game ended at Stamford Bridge due to an unnamed problem.

"It doesn't look good (to play in the England national team). For two players that important to let you know they can't continue the game, obviously that's not good news."

"(They) are two players who just left. I don't know if they will fit. If (they are fit), they won't come out," said Arteta.

Previously, Arsenal also had to play without captain Martin Odegaard for a long time. The Norwegian just played again for the Gunners on November 6, 2024 when he entered as a substitute against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Since August 31, 2024, Odegaard has been absent due to an ankle injury while defending his country. The match against Chelsea became his first starter.

Then, Gabriel Martinelli was also not fully fit. He had a calf injury while defending Brazil last month.

Previously, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, and Ben White had also entered the treatment room. They have indeed been played, but Arteta still has concerns. when they come home

"So, I only ask that because of the team's wishes and how much we want it, there is no need to doubt it. We only need that (player fitness) on our part to be more consistent," said the coach.

Meanwhile, Arteta also plans to talk to Odegaard before deciding whether he will join Norway this month or not.

Arsenal will return from the international break by hosting Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024.