Arteta’s Presser: Injury Blows, Deadline Day Dilemmas, and a “Beautiful Night” Ahead
Ahead of a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta faced the media, balancing the immediate task with significant squad news and the swirling pressures of the transfer deadline.
The Major Blow: Merino’s Season Likely Over
The most significant news confirmed that midfielder Mikel Merino is set for a long absence. Arteta revealed the Spaniard has suffered a “very rare” fracture requiring surgery, stating “we’re not going to have him until probably the end of the season.” This loss, described as a “big blow,” directly impacts the club’s transfer strategy. Arteta admitted the club is now “actively looking at options” for a replacement, but stressed any signing must be a player who can “adapt immediately and impact the team.”
Saka Fitness Watch & Squad Depth
There was cautious optimism around Bukayo Saka, who felt an issue before the weekend game. “It doesn’t look like something too serious,” Arteta said, but a decision on his availability for Chelsea or the weekend will be made later. He acknowledged the squad has “more depth now” but emphasised the relentless schedule demands reinforcements, especially with Merino’s injury.
The Chelsea Challenge & “The Most Important” Trophy
With a one-goal lead from the first leg, Arteta refused to take anything for granted. He labelled tomorrow’s match as “the most important competition we’re in” simply because it’s the next one and the closest to a final. He called for a powerful Emirates atmosphere, describing it as “a beautiful night together again to make something special.”
Transfer Deadline Dynamics
Arteta painted a picture of a busy but focused deadline day. He confirmed the loan departure of Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille was structured without a recall clause, a decision led by Sporting Director Andrea Berta. Arteta expressed full trust in Berta to navigate the complex market, stating they are “on it” but not “relaxed.” He also hinted at internal solutions, name-checking Myles Lewis-Skelly as a versatile option who could see more midfield minutes.
Squad Harmony & Title Talk
When asked about the risk of disrupting squad harmony with a new signing, Arteta was clear: “If we do something, it’s just to improve what we have.” He also swiftly batted away any premature title talk, responding to Paul Merson’s comments by noting, “We need another 13 or 14 of those [winning weekends].” He insisted the players’ daily reality of the league’s difficulty prevents any sense of entitlement.
Praise for Progress
Arteta highlighted Viktory Gyokeres’ improving all-around game and Eberechi Eze’s need to impact matches consistently beyond “magic moments.” He also sent “big congratulations” to Arsenal’s women’s team for their weekend trophy win.
The Bottom Line
Arteta’s press conference underscored a club at a critical juncture: managing a key injury on the eve of a semi-final, working the final hours of the transfer window, and keeping focus squarely on the immediate prize—a place at Wembley. All while maintaining the long-term consistency needed for a Premier League title push.
