Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping that the upcoming international break will allow his squad a chance to reset, following a challenging period marred by injuries.
Arteta’s frustration is evident, as the team has seen several crucial players sidelined recently, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who both sustained injuries during Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
This match not only left Arteta visibly unhappy with the squad’s performance but also intensified the pressure on Arsenal as they navigate a pivotal stretch in the season with a depleted roster.
The injuries to Saka and Rice come as a heavy blow for Arteta, who is already facing a series of fitness concerns within the team.
These absences have created a challenging situation, leaving Arsenal without several key players who contribute significantly to their on-field structure and effectiveness.
Arteta is optimistic that the break will serve as a critical moment to regroup, assess the injured players, and strategize for the upcoming fixtures.
He hopes that some players will recover during this time, allowing the team to regain stability and return to form.
In related news, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, who made his return to the starting lineup in the Chelsea match after being out since early September, is expected to join the Norwegian national team for their fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
Ødegaard’s return has been highly anticipated, given his pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield.
However, Arteta has been cautious about his comments regarding Ødegaard’s fitness, indicating that a final decision on whether he will participate in international games is still up in the air.
Arteta stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of Ødegaard’s condition to ensure he doesn’t exacerbate any lingering injury issues.
Meanwhile, Norway’s national team coach, Ståle Solbakken, has expressed interest in having Ødegaard available for their upcoming matches, despite the recent concerns about his fitness.
Speaking with the Norwegian publication VG, Solbakken mentioned, “We’ll see how it turns out. The ankle, the medics, and Martin decide this.”
This statement suggests that Ødegaard’s participation will ultimately hinge on medical evaluations and his personal assessment of his physical readiness, with input from Arsenal’s medical staff.
Overall, Arteta and his coaching team view the international break as an opportunity to address the squad’s injury challenges and to regain momentum.
With players like Ødegaard in a state of uncertainty, Arsenal’s focus remains on getting the team back to full strength and ensuring they are well-prepared for the resumption of domestic play.
As the team strives to overcome these setbacks, the priority is clear: to secure the health and fitness of Arsenal’s key players, setting the foundation for a strong push in the second half of the season.
