Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an encouraging injury update for his squad, expressing his confidence that four key players will be available for the club’s crucial Premier League opening match against Manchester United on August 17.
The positive news comes despite a fresh injury concern emerging from their most recent pre-season friendly, a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. Winger Leandro Trossard limped off after just 17 minutes in that match with a muscular issue and has since been sent for scans to determine the severity of the problem. He is now the main doubt for the start of the season.
However, the outlook is much brighter for four other players who missed the derby. Arteta confirmed that defenders Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber, all of whom have been nursing injuries, are expected to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford. “The three of them will be available,” the manager stated confidently.
The update was also positive for new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was also absent for the Spurs game. Arteta revealed his omission was purely precautionary after he “felt something” in the previous friendly. “If that was the Premier League, he could have played but we decided not to take a risk,” the Gunners’ boss explained.
While the injury to Trossard is a blow, the overall news from the Arsenal camp is overwhelmingly positive. Having key defenders and the new backup goalkeeper fit and ready for the season opener against a major rival is a massive boost for Arteta as his side looks to get their title challenge off to a strong start.