Mikel Arteta was tight-lipped when asked for an injury update ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester United on Wednesday night.
The Gunners had a couple of injury concerns following their impressive 5-2 victory away to West Ham on Saturday evening, with Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel both limping off with knocks.
Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino were absent from that match due to minor issues.
However, when asked on Tuesday for an update on their fitness ahead of the upcoming clash with Ruben Amorim’s side, a cautious Arteta remained evasive, saying: “We’re going to have a meeting this afternoon.
“We have done a training session.
“We monitor and keep some players away from certain activities.
“After that meeting we’ll decide who is fit and available and who will start. They all want to play.”
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain long-term absentees, with no new updates on their potential return dates.
Arsenal head into the game on the back of three convincing wins since the international break, having scored five goals in their last two matches.
A diverse set of scorers found the net against Ruben Amorim’s former club, Sporting Lisbon, as well as a disorganised West Ham, boosting confidence at the Emirates.
Arsenal have also won six of their past seven home games against Manchester United across all competitions.
However, Mikel Arteta has noted a noticeable difference in United’s style under Amorim.
He added: “Obviously you can see his fingerprints and what he wants to do straight away.
“He’s been clear. He’s been very successful at Sporting, it was remarkable what he achieved there.
“Especially the way he did it and how his team was playing. He brings energy and ideas to a new club. That’s always something positive. But we have to focus on what we have to do.”
Read more: Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea will dominate English football in years to come
Arne Slot hints Liverpool are open to strengthening squad in January
Arne Slot joked about 115 charges levelled at Man City when discussing Mohamed Salah’s future
