Mikel Arteta on Timber and White’s fitness, Odegaard’s injury, Partey’s form and Ramsdale’s return
Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton.
The Arsenal boss answered a wide range of topics, including the latest injury news, Aaron Ramsdale’s first return to the club and the form of Thomas Partey.
Below is a selection of what he had to say:
On the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Ben White
“We had to modify training for a lot of players yesterday and we have done the same today, so there is a decision to make this afternoon.”
On whether they are close to being involved?
Yes, they are close and Tomiyasu as well is quite close to being involved, so good news.
On Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard
“Alex probably after the international break if everything goes well, he is progressing very well. Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard is feeling good and he’s pushing so it’s difficult to give a timeline.
On whether Kai Havertz can score 25/30 goals?
“He certainly has all the quality, all the tools to do it. He’s got it and his mindset has changed.”
On Aaron Ramsdale’s return
“I called him straight away after I got the news [that the deal was done]. He’s a player we loved a lot. Very charismatic. He really put his finger prints here at the club in the way that he was. It will be good to see him.”
On the upcoming international break
“Not going to watch the games, just pray that everyone is going to be fine because the last one was a really difficult one to handle.”
On Thomas Partey starting every game of the season, aside from the Carabao Cup
“Very important. He’s a massive player for us, he’s shown that week in, week out. He’s started the season really well, really fit. The way he came back post holidays was probably the best condition he’s been, so that was really helpful as well and now he needs to continue to do that. We have managed certain minutes for him in the right way and he’s doing everything he can to be in the best physical condition.”
On whether Partey is now looking back to his best
“It’s about consistency and when you change certain habits and you want more consistency, things like that don’t happen overnight. In two or three weeks if it doesn’t happen and you throw in the towel, you can waste two or three years in your career. He is doing everything he can do in that. I think his work ethic has been better than ever. In defence he has been really solid and with the ball he has had moments. The other day probably was this most complete performance because he gave us everything we wanted.”