Mikel Arteta provided a positive update on the fitness of his squad ahead of the upcoming London derby against Chelsea, while also praising the impressive form of Viktor Gyokeres since his return from injury. Addressing the media at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta stated there were no new injury concerns following last weekend’s commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham.
“None so far,” Arteta remarked, adding that the final training session before the match would determine if a couple of players could be available. He expressed optimism regarding the return of players who missed the previous game, mentioning Max Dowman would gain some minutes with the under-21s, and that Kai Havertz would participate in training, pending his fitness for the clash against Chelsea.
Arteta emphasized the importance of ensuring injured players return to full strength rather than rushing their recoveries. This season has showcased the resilience of Viktor Gyokeres, who has made a significant impact since his comeback, scoring eight goals in his last twelve appearances, including two during the team’s recent triumph over Spurs.
“Well, I think one thing leads to another,” Arteta noted, reflecting on Gyokeres’ development. “When you score the first one, the performance improves, allowing for better chemistry with teammates and a deeper understanding of the game.”
Arteta is encouraged by Gyokeres’ progress and remains committed to nurturing his talents, asserting the necessity of understanding both his quality and the dynamics of the team. With crucial fixtures approaching, including Sunday’s match against Chelsea, there is a sense of hope for both player recoveries and team form as they look to build on their recent successes.