Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a hugely positive and upbeat press conference ahead of the new season, confirming that he expects to have a near fully-fit squad for Sunday’s massive Premier League opener against Manchester United.
The Gunners’ boss, who said he is “super excited” for the new campaign to begin, provided key fitness updates on a number of players who had been injury doubts. There was particularly good news regarding Leandro Trossard, who limped out of the friendly against Tottenham. “I think he’s much better,” Arteta noted. “I think he will be able to train again tomorrow and if that’s the case, he will be fit.”
Arteta also confirmed that new signing Martín Zubimendi is fully fit and available for his official debut. This, combined with the recent return to training for key defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber, means that striker Gabriel Jesus is the only first-team player guaranteed to be sidelined for the trip to Old Trafford.
When asked if blockbuster new signing Viktor Gyökeres is ready to start, Arteta was coy but positive. “He’s getting better and better every day,” the manager said. “He had those two moments in games when he’s participated and the feeling was very good, so let’s see what we do on Sunday.”
In a fascinating insight into the dressing room, Arteta also revealed how the club captain was chosen for the new season. He confirmed that he asked the players to vote for their preferred leader.
The result was an overwhelming mandate for the incumbent. “By a mile, by a big, big 100 marks, everybody’s choosing the same person, which is Martin Ødegaard,” Arteta beamed. “Which is the most clear sign that you can have, how they feel about who has to be their captain.”
With his squad almost at full strength and his captain having the full backing of his teammates, Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to Manchester full of confidence for their first major test of the 2025–26 season.