As the new Premier League season approaches, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that a key player will be out of action due to injury. This comes amidst an otherwise successful pre-season for the Gunners.
Arsenal concluded their pre-season on a high note with a convincing victory over Lyon. The team displayed impressive form, winning by two goals to nil, both scored from corners in the first half. With just six days left until the Premier League season kicks off, this performance should give Arteta and his squad confidence.
However, not all news is positive as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Wolves next weekend.
Injury concerns looming
Fabio Vieira, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all absent from today’s game due to injuries. Particularly concerning is Takehiro Tomiyasu's situation; he missed Arsenal’s entire pre-season tour in America after injuring his knee shortly after returning from summer break.
Arteta confirmed that Tomiyasu is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks before he can return to play.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, said:
“It will take weeks on that one, unfortunately. He is going to have to be patient.”
Positive updates amidst Injuries
Despite the looming injury concerns, there are several positive updates for Arsenal. Arteta provided a more optimistic update on Jurrien Timber's condition. The defender is set to return to full first-team training next week, just in time for the 2024/25 campaign. This comes as a relief after his absence from recent games due to injury.
Mikel Arteta added:
“It is fine. He has been doing some individual work. We expect him to be ready to train with the group next week.”
In another uplifting development, Riccardo Calafiori made his Arsenal debut in the Lyon match at Emirates Stadium earlier today. His ability to play both as a left-back and centre-back provides Arteta with much-needed flexibility following Tomiyasu's injury news. Moreover, Oleksandr Zinchenko seems rejuvenated and back at his best form during most of Arsenal’s pre-season games as left-back. The Ukrainian player has started the majority of Arsenal’s pre-season games and appears determined to prove himself this season.
The competition at left-back position has intensified especially with the new signing of Calafiori, which seems to have had a positive effect on Zinchenko’s performances so far. These developments provide some optimism amidst injuries and offer hope that the team can adapt effectively as they head into the new Premier League season.
