Mikel Arteta on Kai Havertz’s return, his future Max Dowman plans and William Saliba’s future
Mikel Arteta faced the media today ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Emirates.
The Arsenal boss gave updates on the latest team news, as well as discussing the form of captain Martin Odegaard, who has been heavily criticised since Tuesday night’s defeat to PSG in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Here is a selection of what Arteta had to say.
On the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho:
“Yeah, Calafiori is out, Jorginho is still out. Jorginho’s got a bit more complicated than expected.Thankfully, he’s fine, he’s feeling good, he’s recovering well, but yeah, it was a bit more than what we wanted. I think I’ll leave it to the doctor if he wants to clarify or judge that.”
On if Jorginho could play in the rest of the season:
“I think so, yeah. Hopefully, if everything goes well in the next week or so, I think he will gradually integrate in the team, yeah.”
On if Kai Havertz could be back before the end of the season:
“I think so. I think if everything goes the way it’s going at the moment and the way it’s planned, I think he will have a chance to play a few games here in the season.”
On Martin Odegaard’s season so far:
“There were many factors I think, obviously the injury, the long-term injury doesn’t help to give you the consistency and the platform to continue in the season but it’s very difficult. The level of consistency shown is unbelievable for an attacking player to be constantly there, very rare because there are always ups and downs, especially the players that are very creative and they rely on a spark and creating moments in-game but there are other aspects of his games that remain intact and he continues to do every week.”
On whether Arsenal have enough depth in attacking midfield
“We have a lot of options there, Mikel can play in that position, Declan, we have Ethan there in his main position. We have players that can play in that position, we have Max [Dowman] coming up as well very soon as well so I think we are good in the position.”
On whether Dowman is part of his plans next season
“For the near future, yeah, let’s see how this evolves but we certainly have a big talent there.”
On William Saliba’s future and the links to Real Madrid
Those kind of things are more for Andrea and the club to talk about. What I’m certain, because I had the conversation with him, is that he is so happy here, that he wants to continue with us and what will happen in the future with our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them, but I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be.