Story by
Arteta on Saliba, Konsa at full-back and 'massive library' of shirt pulls
- Story by
- Arteta on Saliba, Konsa at full-back and 'massive library' of shirt pulls
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Slavia Prague at Fortuna Arena (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Advertisement
-
Arteta said French defender William Saliba is "in a good place" as the 25-year-old looks to make a return from a back injury which he suffered during the World Cup semi-final with France.
-
Arteta added: "The process, the timing and the manner that the injury has been dealt with and especially the feeling that Willy has been having along the way has been very, very positive. Now we have to give him the moment, and the right amount of minutes. Hopefully, that is very soon."
-
The Arsenal boss doesn't believe it is a "problem" having defensive options as Saliba returns to the squad, and believes Ezri Konsa could play at full-back, but the 29-year-old's natural position is at centre-back.
-
He added: "So far, we haven't had that luxury. The moment they're fit and available we have opportunity to give players, to load the players and to manage the congestion of the players."
-
On Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel , who died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second-division match, Arteta said: "Absolutely heart-breaking. To lose his life in such a manner is beyond any words that I can say today. On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to send our condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel and all his loved ones."
-
On facing Slavia Prague: "Tough. A really good team. Really competitive team, great mindset. It is a clear mindset and principles that they want to apply. We know that is going to be a really difficult game."
-
Arteta said World Cup winner Martin Zubimendi is a "very important" player for the Gunners, but has been "unlucky" with injuries recently. "We have options in midfield, like everybody else everyone has to be ready. Everybody will have the chance to play and then it is about performing. His energy, application and will to help is always there."
-
The Spaniard said the squad and Max Dowman have "moved on" from the 16-year-old's red card against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup and added, "that is a chapter that has gone".
-
Arteta confirmed he has a "massive library" of clips which refer to "shirt pulls and grabs" after Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt in the penalty area but escaped punishment against Liverpool in the 1-0 victory.
Follow Wednesday's Champions League action on BBC Radio 5 Live
