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Mikel Arteta provides worrying Declan Rice & Bukayo Saka injury updates.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has provided an update on the injury status of midfielder Declan Rice and forward Bukayo Saka, confirming that they have not yet returned to training.
Declan Rice, who was signed during the summer transfer window, was forced to leave the field during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur due to back discomfort.
As a result, he has been sidelined throughout the week, along with teammates Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming match against Bournemouth, “Declan hasn’t trained yet. We have a session in an hour, and we’ll receive more updates on his condition.”
In addition to Declan Rice, Arteta also revealed that Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli have been absent from training this week, expressing, “Gabi hasn’t trained, Leo is in a similar situation, and Saka is also in the same category. They are all in the same group. Willy [William Saliba] picked up a knock, and Fabio [Vieira] wasn’t part of the session. We will evaluate their conditions today.”
Mikel Arteta emphasized the significance of the upcoming match against Bournemouth, labelling it as “the most important of the season.”
Despite having crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a Champions League clash with Lens and a visit from Premier League champions Manchester City next weekend, Arteta’s primary focus remains on preparing for the Cherries.
Arteta expressed his hope for the fitness and availability of his squad, emphasizing their importance in the upcoming hectic schedule. He stated, “What is coming in the next seven to ten days, we need them.”
Although Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League this season, they have slipped to fifth place in the standings, trailing early leaders Manchester City by four points.
The decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya in the goal has attracted attention. Raya kept a clean sheet in the Champions League and the north London derby, while Ramsdale returned to the side for a narrow victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Arteta commended Ramsdale’s attitude, noting that he supported Raya from the bench during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Arteta said, “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. We appreciate him even more now. He’s a part of our daily routine, and we know his character. We’re really happy to have him.”