Mikel Arteta confirms two ‘key players’ will miss Chelsea clash
As we all know Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is under a lot of pressure as he’s set to play Chelsea on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are 15th in the league and face a relegation battle if care isn’t taken, and Arteta also have some injury problems to worry about.
Star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been out with a calf injury and missed Arsenal’s last two matches, while new signing Thomas Partey has been missing since early December due to a thigh injury. Gabriel Martinelli who only came back from injury suffered a shin injury in their Carabao Cup game against Manchester City.
Arteta has ruled out Partey from the game but is hoping that Aubameyang and Martinelli will be fit for the game against Chelsea.
Speaking about Aubameyang, Arteta said: “Sustained a slight calf strain in training last week. Auba is working hard with our medical team in order to regain full fitness as soon as possible. Has now joined outside drills and will continue to be assessed regarding availability ahead of Saturday.
On Partey, the Gunners boss said: “Sustained a thigh strain during Tottenham Hotspur (a) on December 6. Thomas is currently unavailable, but is progressing well to now working outside on close ball work, together with the continued focus on his overall fitness rehabilitation.
On Martinelli, he said: “Sustained heavy impact and bruising to right shin during our match against Manchester City on Tuesday. Gabi is recovering well and we hope he will be able to participate in full training ahead of Saturday.”
For Lampard, the Blues boss is also sweating over the fitness of first-choice full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James ahead of Saturday’s clash.