Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal holds a narrow one-goal lead. The Gunners secured this advantage through goals from Ben White, Viktory Gyokeres, and Martin Zubimendi, creating a promising outlook as they prepare for what is expected to be a challenging encounter.
During his press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta provided updates on injuries within the squad. He confirmed there are currently no new injury concerns, though he discussed Bukayo Saka’s recent issue. “Today, he was better, but we have to wait and see how he responds,” Arteta mentioned, indicating the need for caution regarding Saka’s availability. He expressed optimism, stating it does not appear to be a serious issue.
Arteta also touched on the injury to midfielder Mikel Merino, who is set to undergo a procedure that could sideline him through the end of the season. “We hope to see him back training before the end of the season,” Arteta said, acknowledging Merino’s pivotal role and the impact his absence will have on the squad. “It’s a big blow,” he added, affirming that the team is considering its options in the transfer market to address the gap left by the injury.
The Arsenal manager highlighted the importance of depth in the squad, noting that while they are better positioned now compared to earlier in the season, the team still needs to remain vigilant, especially with matches coming every few days. Arteta acknowledged the pressure of title aspirations, stating, “We know how much there is still to do,” in reference to comments about potentially winning the league title.
As the Gunners prepare to face Chelsea, Arteta emphasized the significance of the match, asserting that every game must be treated as crucial. “Tomorrow we have a really tough game against a very good Chelsea side,” he remarked, underlining the necessity for the team to build on its recent performance and capitalize on home advantage.
On the topic of creating an atmosphere at the Emirates for the semi-final, Arteta called on supporters to bring energy and belief, which he believes can have a transformative impact on the team’s performance. He expressed his gratitude for the strong connection he has built with the fans, noting that mutual trust and cohesion are integral to their success.
In a reflective moment, Arteta affirmed the challenges of the Premier League while reinforcing the team’s determination to earn their aspirations. The upcoming match carries a weight of anticipation, as a victory could solidify their path toward a cup final and potentially greater achievements this season.