Arsenal manager
Providing an update ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Hull at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta indicated that Saka’s return to full fitness remains a work in progress. While the manager noted that the player is expected to begin light activity on the pitch following the upcoming international break, he cautioned that a return to competitive action will take time.
Defensive updates and international considerations
While the news regarding Saka is a setback, Arteta offered more positive updates concerning his defensive options. Ezri Konsa, who was substituted during the 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday, has been cleared to feature against Hull. The defender, who joined the club in August, has provided crucial cover during a period where
Saliba, who was named in the matchday squad for the midweek trip to Prague, is now back in contention, though he did not feature in that fixture. Regarding the possibility of Saliba being called up to the France national team by Zinedine Zidane, Arteta stated that the club would not obstruct a potential selection. The manager acknowledged the importance of match minutes for the defender and expressed his support for the player's desire to represent his country under the new national team management.
Despite Saka's absence, Arsenal remains well-represented in the latest England squad, with Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Konsa all included. Arteta expressed pride in the club’s significant English contingent, noting that it remains a core part of the team's identity. With the focus now shifting to the weekend's domestic fixture, the manager emphasized that his players are eager to perform for their club before joining their respective national teams for the upcoming international window.
