Mikel Arteta has given an update, of sorts, on the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Gunners head to Old Trafford off the back of five wins out of five and currently sit top of the Premier League table, with Odegaard and Ramsdale playing a major part in the strong start to the campaign.
However, the duo both suffered injuries in the midweek 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
Odegaard suffered an ankle injury against Villa and was forced to limp off. Meanwhile, Ramsdale suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the same game but was able to carry on.
And speaking ahead of the clash with the Red Devils, Arteta said: “Those two they’ve been assessed (Odegaard, Ramsdale). We will see more tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll be available to train with the team.
“Unfortunately Alex [Zinchenko] still hasn’t been able to train with the team yet.
“After missing two games and not being able to train with the team unfortunately that’s the situation that we have.”
Midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny remain on the sidelines and both players are not expected back for a while.
Indeed, Arteta added: “With Mo, we are talking months, with Thomas weeks and even shorter than that I hope.”
Arteta was tipped to dip into the transfer market on deadline day to cover his midfield absences. However, a proposed move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz did not materialise, despite Arsenal’s best efforts.
Arteta hails ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal window
While he was disappointed not to get any business done on the final day of the window, Arteta was delighted with the club’s overall efforts to get players in.
He added: “We had a lot of things still to do in the squad. The club has done a phenomenal job to bring in players that we wanted.
“Unfortunately in the last 72 hours Thomas and Mo got injured and we had to react in the market.
“We tried and at the end of the day we have to bring in the players we feel are right but we didn’t manage to do it.”
There were some outgoings on the final day of the window though.
Long-serving defender Hector Bellerin saw his contract ripped up and he is expected to rejoin Barcelona on a free transfer.
Arsenal paid tribute to the right-back, saying: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club.
“During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances. Such a huge contribution to the club.
I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together.
“We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.”
