‘You Will Find Out’ – Mikel Arteta Shares Cryptic Update on Injuries Before EFL Cup Clash

Mikel Arteta could be missing ten key players for the upcoming EFL Cup match.

Ahead of Arsenal’s EFL Cup fixture against Bolton, scheduled for Wednesday, 25 September, Mikel Arteta indicated that the team might be dealing with a significant injury issue.

This comes just days after Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 draw, where John Stones’ late goal prevented them from securing a victory against a fellow title contender.

Following the match, criticism arose from the opposing team, who accused Arsenal of time-wasting tactics during the game.

Several players, including David Raya, Gabriel Martinelli, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber, appeared to have picked up injuries during the match, with Arteta taking those moments to communicate with his squad.

Pep Guardiola’s side initially believed that the situation was a tactical ploy by Arsenal. However, Mikel Arteta has since clarified that the injury concerns are genuine.

He offered a cryptic update, stating that “a few players” are now unavailable for their upcoming match against League One’s Bolton.

One player who appears doubtful is goalkeeper David Raya. He was seen limping and wearing a bandage on his right knee while leaving the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With back-up keeper Neto cup-tied, having played for AFC Bournemouth before his deadline day transfer to London, and another option, Tommy Setford, sidelined due to injury, Arteta may be left with no choice but to rely on 16-year-old Jack Porter if Raya is unable to feature.

When asked about the potential starting lineup for Wednesday night’s match, Arteta remained tight-lipped: “Tomorrow you will find out. As soon as I give the line up.”

Pressed on whether any serious injuries were picked up against City, he added: “We have to wait [on] one of them.”

Both Timber and Calafiori had to leave the field during the match against City. However, Timber later participated in a post-match interview, providing an optimistic update on his possible return. The Dutch defender spoke to the media, saying:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played so many games, especially in seven days, so that’s really good.”

Currently, Timber, Calafiori, and Raya might end up alongside Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, and Kieran Tierney in the treatment room. Additionally, Leandro Trossard will be unavailable due to suspension.

Arteta Responds to Haaland’s Jibe

After Manchester City scored a late equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday, Mikel Arteta went onto the field to shake hands with the opposing team.

However, he was met with a shock remark from City’s star player, Erling Haaland, who seemingly told the Gunners’ head coach to “stay humble.”

During his pre-match press conference, when questioned about the incident, Arteta stated that he had no problem with the comment and told reporters:

“It’s part of football, part of sport. After the game, all that goes away and we move on. That’s it.”

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