“Great News” – Arsenal Game-changer Now Potentially Ready to Face Spurs After Latest Update
Mikel Arteta has delivered some “great news” for Arsenal ahead of their crucial North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday, with an injury update emerging from London Colney.
Following the signing of a new three-year contract that extends his stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2027, Arteta’s immediate focus is to secure all three points against Spurs and claim the bragging rights on derby day.
Under his new contract, Arteta will earn approximately £288,000 per week, aligning him with some of the Premier League’s top-earning managers, such as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Despite the impressive terms, Arteta has little time to revel in his new deal.
Arsenal will face Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham tomorrow, in a highly anticipated match coming right after the international break.
The Gunners are dealing with several selection dilemmas, particularly with summer signing Mikel Merino out due to a shoulder injury. Reports suggest that Merino could be sidelined until after the October international break, potentially missing nearly two months.
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns, Declan Rice will be absent due to suspension. The England midfielder received two yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with Brighton two weeks ago, resulting in a one-match ban.
Furthermore, versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to miss the Spurs clash, as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained during pre-season.
On a more positive note, Arteta hinted in his pre-match press conference that Riccardo Calafiori might be fit to play against Tottenham, despite an injury scare.
Calafiori had to leave Italy’s camp early after a calf injury from a collision with Ousmane Dembélé in a recent international match.
In another boost for Arteta, Martin Ødegaard’s situation seems more promising than initially feared.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a possible four-week absence due to an ankle twist on international duty, Ødegaard might feature in the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Arteta also shared additional “great news” about striker Gabriel Jesus, providing further optimism ahead of the game.
Arteta Confirms Gabriel Jesus Could Play Against Spurs
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that Jesus could potentially be chosen to play against Tottenham, as the £265,000-per-week star appears to be almost fully recovered from a groin injury.
“Gabi was out there,” said Arteta on Jesus’ availability for tomorrow. “He’s got another session tomorrow and if everything goes well he’ll be ready to be selected in the squad which is great news for us.”
While Raheem Sterling competes for the role of false nine, having Jesus as a centre-forward option provides a significant advantage for Arsenal.
The Brazilian has a proven ability to deliver match-winning performances, having done so for Arteta in the past. Pundit Alan Shearer has even described Jesus as a “game-changer.”
“It’s not just his goals and creativity that make him so important to them, it’s his relentless energy and willingness to run in behind defences too,” Shearer said in a column for BBC Sport in 2022.
“He’s the game-changer for Arsenal. He’s the one who sets the tone from the front. Defenders hate players who are prepared to run in behind, he does that. He’s the one who starts the press. You see his movement and his ability too.”
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