Arsenal face Southampton on Saturday and Mikel Arteta has a handful of players missing through injury
Arsenal welcome Southampton to Emirates Stadium this weekend and Mikel Arteta has one clear focus ahead of the fixture – remain unbeaten.
“That’s what we are trying to do,” the Gunners boss said when asked if it was important his side continue their unbeaten run against the Saints. “We had a really difficult fixture list after the international break, and a lot of unpredictable things in terms of injuries and players now being available on top of that. But we adapted.
“We look forward and we competed really well in all games. There are for sure aspects that we have to improve. But we have shown a lot of consistency and adaptability in the way that we can play and win games. These are all positive signs but it’s very early in the season still.”
Arteta will hope that a number of players return to fitness in the coming weeks with the second international break of the season on the horizon. For now, however, Martin Odegaardremains out as he continues his recovery from a foot problem. “Martin is very difficult,” Arteta admitted on Friday. “I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s feeling good and he’s pushing it. So difficult to give a timeline.”
Two players Arteta is hoping to welcome back for the match against Southampton are Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another who is close to returning to full fitness.
“We had to modify training for a lot of players,” Arteta said. “It was the same today because of the load that they had. There will be a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them yes or no.
