Mikel Arteta on Odegaard’s return date, Zinchenko’s injury, Man City fall-out and Arsenal team news vs Bolton
Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
The Gunners boss answered questions on several topics, including the fitness of injured captain Martin Odegaard and the latest Arsenal team news.
He also spoke about some of the ongoing reaction to Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League. Below is a selection of what he had to say.
On Martin Odegaard – Any timeframe for his return yet?
“I think it will be a matter of weeks, but how long exactly I can’t tell you.”
Any chance he is back before the international break?
“We might get a surprise, but I think it’s unlikely.”
On Oleksandr Zinchneko – Back soon?
“I think he will be out still for a few weeks unfortunately.”
On whether any of the players who went down against City will play against Bolton?
“I always prefer the facts, than words or supposing things. So let’s see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts, or these things.”
Players missing tomorrow then?
“Unfortunately, yes. There will be a few players that are not available.”
Players like Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber?
“Tomorrow, you will find out with the lineup.”
Were there any serious injuries picked up on Sunday?
“We have to wait on one of them.”
On Raheem Sterling and how he has adapted to Arsenal
“Very good. He’s had a few minutes already and tomorrow he has another opportunity. He is ready, he’s really hungry to start to have more minutes and impact the team in the way that he can and hopefully tomorrow we can see that.”
On Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly
“Those two are really pushy, really demanding. They want to see everything, they want more and more information. They love it, you can tell. They are so passionate about it, they see the opportunity and they want to grab it with both hands. They are great to work with.”
Have you been surprised by the reaction to how you played with 10 men?
“We learn from the past as well because unfortunately we’ve been in that same situation with them three times, one was with Granit [Xhaka] who got sent off after 38 minutes and we conceded how many? [5-0] So we better learn, if not I would be very thick.”
On the Trossard red card – have your thoughts on it changed?
“I reflected post match and it’s the same reflection today. I was very clear about it I think.”
On whether he will reiterate to his players not to kick the ball away?
“Passing the ball you mean? Yeah. I think so, just leave the ball, don’t touch the ball. We play without the ball.”
On winning trophies – Does that have to start this season for it to be a success?
“Well, in terms of trophies and success, it’s only if you win it. How you measure success, or how you associate that word, probably we could have a much more deeper conversation. But we are here to win. We are here to win the big competitions and the ones that are not considered that big. That’s our duty.”