Mikel Arteta will be hoping that he can field the strongest possible Arsenal side to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Wednesday.
Heading into the fierce rivalry, Arsenal have far more pressure on their shoulders than Spurs.
All eyes are on Mikel Arteta as the world awaits to witness how the Gunners respond after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United and their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Paul Merson predicted Arsenal to beat Tottenham in a clash that he reckons will end 2-0 in favour of the hosts at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fans were heard booing Martin Odegaard after he delayed a counter-attack against Manchester United, which sums up the frustrations within the fanbase.
Mikel Arteta has had a difficult job on his hands, with his side being struck with multiple injuries that continue to affect them this season as they prepare to go toe-to-toe with Tottenham next.
Bukayo Saka’s injury has hurt Arsenal, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Ethan Nwaneri also sidelined.
Gabriel Jesus hit the turf in agony in what seems like an injury that could keep him out for a long time.
Ahead of the North London Derby, Mikel Arteta confirmed that £12 million (Sky Sports) man, Jorginho is fit to play as well as Jurrien Timber, who had suffered cramps against Manchester United.
Arteta confirmed via BeanymanSports: “He [Jorginho] was cramping, honestly, we played extra time, Jurrien was exactly the same so we had a few players struggling to finish the game.”
“He’s [Jorginho] fine.”
Flamengo have approached Arsenal to sign Jorginho, who signed a contract extension in May until the end of the ongoing season.
Mikel Arteta “worried” about Gabriel Jesus injury
Mikel Arteta was quizzed about Jesus’ injury and while the Arsenal boss did not confirm the extent of the Brazilian international’s setback, he expressed his concern.
“We know more now and it’s not looking good at all. But we need to review one more specialist so we’ll probably know more, that was the information this afternoon.”
“I don’t want to confirm anything. Again, until we have the final report this afternoon, it’s the doctor’s job to do that and we were worried straightaway and we are very worried today.”
Arsenal were looking to sell Jesus in January but his latest injury might have impacted their plans to do so.
Mikel Arteta confirms Riccardo Calafiori injury is “not too much” ahead of North London Derby
The Spaniard was asked about whether Riccardo Calafiori could play against Spurs, considering a muscle injury ruled him out against Manchester United.
“Yeah his thing is not too much. But again, we need another day or two.”
“You play every three days and 24 hours become really important because they are not long-term injuries in that case for example so we will have more understanding this afternoon.”
The Italian international’s injury record is certainly concerning, missing 12 games for Arsenal across all competitions in his debut season.
However, Mikel Arteta’s revelation could suggest that Calafiori could at least feature on the bench against Tottenham.