Mikel Arteta Provides Updates on Injuries, Saka’s Performance, and Everton Match

Before Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Everton on Saturday, scheduled for a 15:00 GMT kick-off, manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media. The following are the main points from his press conference: Regarding injuries to Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta stated, “There is a possibility for one of them to be available. Gabriel trained today. [We] have to be careful with Calafiori.” Addressing Bukayo Saka’s current performance, Arteta commented, “It is remarkable what he is doing every three days. He will continue to do that for sure. He is exceptional at what he does. Now we need to go to the next step and win things collectively.” When questioned about potential targets for Saka, Arteta further explained, “We always set targets. It’s about understanding how we are going to reach those targets. There is an idea to score 30 goals or 40 but it is how we are going to do it.” Discussing teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly’s notable debut start in the Champions League, Arteta remarked, “He deserves to be in contention to be selected as he performed really well. He is a person who continually surprises all the staff. He was surrounded by very experienced and senior players. We believed it was the right context for him to succeed.” Regarding the midfield combination of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino deployed against Monaco, Arteta stated, “There has recently been a lot of new units. That was one we had planned and discussed. They did a really good job. They will play together again for sure in the near future. Three very intelligent football brains – three players who like to play for others.” Addressing the news of Arsenal supporters unveiling a mural for set-piece coach Nicolas Jover outside the Emirates Stadium, Arteta responded, “I just heard – I didn’t know that. So happy and he fully deserves that. It is great the attention is not just not on the players or the manager. He will love it.” When asked about his intentions for the January transfer window, Arteta commented, “I never expect January to be super busy. Some surprises can come and we are prepared for that.” Concerning the upcoming match against his former club Everton, amidst ongoing discussions regarding a potential takeover, Arteta remarked, “The club has been through different stages in their history. The fact is, it is very strong. Hopefully, they can get a new path now with new stadium, new owners and have happier times.” Discussing the plans for Arsenal and Everton to pay tribute to the late Kevin Campbell during Saturday’s game, Arteta said, “You can tell with the way that people talk about him. The club has done very well to make the day feel very special to recognise who he was as a person.”