Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are now facing doubts regarding their fitness ahead of the Wolves game.
In a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, manager Mikel Arteta shed light on the team’s injury concerns. Key players Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are facing doubts regarding their fitness for the crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka and Trossard, who both featured in the starting lineup during Arsenal’s recent disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, are now questionable for Sunday’s clash. The defeat officially dashed Arsenal’s hopes of clinching the Premier League title, leaving them with only pride to play for in the season’s finale.
Trossard, who was filling in for the injured Gabriel Martinelli, managed to play 70 minutes before being substituted for Fabio Vieira. Meanwhile, Saka, a prominent figure in Arsenal’s campaign, completed the full 90 minutes.
During the pre-game press conference, Arteta addressed the media and shared updates on the injured duo. “We had some issues this week and in the last few weeks, as you noticed, some players were unable to play and participate in the games,
“Arteta revealed. “Reiss [Nelson] had a minor issue, and Bukayo [Saka] has been dealing with a lingering concern for a few weeks now. As for Leandro [Trossard], the rest of the team should be fine.”
Apart from Saka and Trossard, Arteta also mentioned other players who are unavailable due to injury. “Alex [Zinchenko], Willy [Saliba], Tomiyasu, and Elneny are still out. However, the rest of the squad is in good condition,” Arteta confirmed.
With Arsenal’s final league position already determined and only pride left to play for, Arteta was expected to make changes to the starting XI regardless. However, the potential absence of Saka and Trossard opens the door for the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe to make their first Premier League starts of the season.