Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has, on Friday, provided updates on the wellbeing of two sidelined members of his squad.
The Gunners, of course, are currently in the process of putting the finishing touches on preparations for another crucial outing this weekend.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool last time out, Arteta and co. are set to make the short trip across London on Sunday afternoon, for a meeting with West Ham United.
Amid ongoing efforts to stave off the challenge of champions Manchester City atop the Premier League table, all associated with Arsenal, in turn, will no doubt be desperate for as many of the clubβs stars as possible to be fit and ready to feature from the off at the London Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the clubβs boss was therefore asked for the latest on two members of his squad to have spent the last couple of weeks on the treatment table.
First up came William Saliba, with Arteta having confirmed that, though the Frenchman is making progress in his recovery, he remains unavailable for selection:
William Saliba during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 26th December 2022
(Photo by Richard Washbrooke/News Images) (Alamy Stock Photo)
When asked if Saliba has yet returned to the grass, Arsenalβs headmaster added:
βHeβs not far off starting to do that. Obviously we need to be cautious because of the injury but heβs evolving well.β
The news on hitman Nketiah, meanwhile, proved altogether positive, with the England youth international set to mark his return to the matchday setup on Sunday:
βEddie is back. Heβs fully fit now and heβs back.β
“William [Saliba] is still not available” β
“Eddie [Nketiah] is back and he’s fully fit now” βοΈMikel Arteta gives an update on Arsenal’s latest injury news π©Ί pic.twitter.com/dnBXsvQkWl
β Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2023
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