#PLStories- Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus injury, Saka absence, Balogun and Ramsdale futures #ARSENALFC
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Mikel Arteta Arsenal
How useful a work out was that?
Very good. Especially for a lot of players who haven’t had many minutes and as well for the new players to play in the Emirates it was special. You could feel the atmosphere and how excited the fans were. In terms of the game we struggled to dominate it as much as we want. We had much better periods in the second half. I think we were still a bit leggy and jet-lagged. We trained really hard over the last three days to be fair. We wanted that test for them as well to see how we compete when we’re not fresh enough to compete. So it was a good test and happy with the outcome.
How’s Gabriel Jesus?
Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning. He’s had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in and resolve it. It’s not something major but he’s going to be out for a few weeks I think.
How big a blow is that?
A big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in good condition but unfortunately we lost him. We had to look at it and we had to make a decision and the best one is to protect the player and get him back as quick as possible. We decided to do it.
Is that a new injury or an old one?
It’s something related to the previous injury he had and the surgery. He had some irritation in the knee and we had to get it resolved.
There was a lot of fluidity in the team. Is that what you’re looking for?
Yeah there are certain rotations that we want, especially to adapt to the quality of the players that we have and to make sure that they’re comfortable occupying certain spaces. There were a lot of changes and you can see sometimes when we were arriving and the timing in the dynamic it wasn’t perfect and how we allowed certain spaces when we have time on the ball and then how we defend open spaces. But we will adjust.
Did you think Rice was gonna get his dream home debut when he burst through, and what did you make of his display overall?
Yes, I thought so because I didn’t see the defender coming so quick so I thought he was in and he can finish when he’s in those positions. He played more advanced today. He played more as an attacking midfielder today. It was the first time that he’s played there and he’s in the journey to get back to his best and adapt to the team.
Saka wasn’t involved. Why was that?
He was fine, but after he wasn’t feeling great on the bench. We didn’t want to use him. I think he had some sickness or some illness or something so we could not use him.
Does Jesus injury impact Balogun plans?
The plans with Flo don’t change at all but unfortunately with Gabby we’re not going to have him. We have other options to play with different qualities of players and we will adapt.
You’ve been linked to David Raya, why are you after such a high quality second goalkeeper?
You know I’m not gonna talk about any player, that’s not here sorry.
How’s Zinchenko?
He’s close. I think he’s going to start training with the team and hopefully we will have him back very soon.
Did you bring Declan here to play different roles and will you use him more there this season?
I think he has the versatility to play different roles and it’s something that we want to do to maximise the quality of other players who have the ability to play together. We will use him in different positions.
How did you think Aaron got on today after a week of scrutiny?
He was really good. I think he was really composed in the game. I think he didn’t have to intervene too much. I think there were two actions – one was the goal which was very close range and the other one was the cutback when they hit the post. Other than that he did not have much to do. But everything he had in ball possession was really good.
You said a few months ago when he extended his contract that he was crucial to your plans. Is that still the case?
No. Still the same.
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