Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta updates team injury situation
2026-02-12 02:34
The Premier League will feature a key London derby this Thursday as Arsenal travel to face Brentford. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attended a press conference and provided an update on the team's injury list.
The most worrying news at the press conference was the injury of new signing Mikel Merino. Arteta revealed that although Merino's surgery was very successful, his recovery will be a long process due to the bone healing involved.
Arteta admitted, "We're talking about a timeframe in months, it could be three, four, or even five months, it's uncertain at the moment." This means fans may have to wait until the end of the season or even next season to see Merino.
As for other injured players, Arteta said that young Max Dowman is recovering well and is expected to return in about a week; while regarding whether key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard can play in Thursday's game, Arteta only cautiously said that it would be necessary to observe further.
Despite being plagued by injuries, Arteta is not underestimating his upcoming opponents. Brentford underwent a major upheaval last summer, losing their manager, captain, and several key players, but under new manager Keith Andrews, they are currently seventh in the league and have only lost two home games.
“This is definitely going to be a tough game,” Arteta said. “Look at their recent results, the coaching staff’s work is simply amazing. They deserve praise because they are a truly top team.”
Image source: Internet/Arsenal official website
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