•Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed today that several first-team players remain doubtful for tomorrow’s Matchday 15 trip to Aston Villa.
Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta said final training-ground assessments will determine his squad for the early kick-off.
Pressed for updates, the Arsenal boss set the tone early ahead of the Saturday opener at Villa Park.
“Let’s see. I think with all the questions I’m going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same.
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones.”
He admitted defender Mosquera faces the toughest race: “That’s the one that is more complicated, but again, we have another test today to see where we are with them.”
On William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, he remained cautiously upbeat, saying: “It is a matter of days with those two, for sure.”
When asked about Declan Rice’s availability, he stated, “Let’s see. I think with all the questions I’m going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same. We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones.”
With Unai Emery’s Villa emerging as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides, Arteta acknowledged the scale of the task awaiting his squad at Villa Park.
“For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that. We know obviously the manager and the incredible job he’s done there as well, so we know the task tomorrow but we always take it as an opportunity.”
Asked whether Emery’s past at Arsenal might add spice, Arteta dismissed the notion: “I don’t know… in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he’s good enough in himself.”
Title Talk, Fatigue and Fixtures
With Arsenal entering a defining stretch of the season, Arteta stressed the need for relentless focus.
He said, “Consistency, again, to perform at the highest level and win another game… that’s exactly how we have to take it every game.”
On whether Villa should now be considered title contenders, he was unequivocal:
“Well, if they continue where they are already… I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure.”
The Arsenal manager also reflected on how squad depth has transformed his options compared to last season:
“Great… when you look at the bench and you can say, now we can change the game. Or last year when we were in February to May, look there, and we had two players really, so that’s a huge difference.”
From managing suspensions to monitoring knocks, Arteta repeated that clarity will only come after the final training session. But the mission remains unchanged as Arsenal attempt to keep pace in the title race.
“We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow… and be ready for it to fulfil our potential.”
