Arteta insists Arsenal ‘still a great team’ despite injuries | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal ‘won’t feel sorry’ for themselves despite the club’s mounting list of absentees.

Arsenal take on Liverpool in a huge clash this weekend, as the Gunners host the Premier League leaders at the Emirates.

Preparations for the Gunners have been difficult, with Martin Odegaard and William Saliba the high-profile names missing through injury and suspension.

There are also big doubts over Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, leaving Arsenal depleted ahead of a crucial clash in North London.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said Arsenal will not use their absentees as an excuse and said his side will take on Liverpool with ‘belief, energy and commitment’.

“This is the game. We obviously don’t want to be in this situation but we are lucky to have the squad we have and the attitude to react to difficult situations. We don’t feel sorry for ourselves, we face it and we know how good we are.

“We have different options [in defence]. That partnership [between William Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution. [There’s] so much going on with the backline but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful.

“We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game. This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates. The team is really looking forward to it.

“We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this.

“Arne Slot’s start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They’re a team who for nine years have been competing at the highest level.”

Asked whether this weekend’s game was among the most difficult of his reign due to the circumstances, Arteta said Arsenal remain a ‘great team’ even with their injury list.

“We have had very difficult and challenging moments but I don’t think this is one of them. We are so energised, the atmosphere will be tremendous and we are really looking forward to the game.

“I never think about losing. I don’t spend one second on the preparation thinking about if we lose it. It is just very bad luck [with the injuries].

“They are difficult issues and traumatic injuries. International ones are difficult to control. It can happen but it is about how we can react to it and change it. The team have to mentally adapt to that and maintain the belief that even with the team like this, we are still a great team.”

Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri in contention to face Liverpool

Opportunity could await for highly-rated academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, with Arteta admitting the duo could be involved as his squad is stretched.

“They are in contention. They give us the option to start the game.

“Myles came on the other night and did really well, Ethan the same. They are first-team players and we treat and value them the same as any other player.

“They don’t fear much and that is something really positive. They create an energy.”

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

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