Mikel Arteta to 'pass on' message to ex-captain as Rio Ferdinand hails star
The international break will give Arsenal a chance to bring some key men back to full fitness, and they'll be doing to from a position of strength.
Mikel Arteta's side won their last match before the break, leaving them second only on goals scored. Gabriel Martinelli's late goal made the difference against Manchester City, giving Arteta his first league win over Pep Guardiola and lifting the Gunners above City in the table.
Injuries aren't the only subject of discussion this week but they're one of the main ones with nearly a fortnight to go until Arsenal's trip to Chelsea. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around the Emirates Stadium.
Saka out of England contention
The Football Association have confirmed Bukayo Saka is out of contention for England's upcoming matches against Australia and Italy. The Arsenal forward had missed his team's victory over Manchester City through injury, but the week-long gap until the first England fixture meant he was assessed by medical staff before a final decision was made.
"The forward reported to St. George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad," an FA statement read. "Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided that the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Would you bring Bukayo Saka back against Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section
Bukayo Saka was forced off early in Arsenal's defeat to Lens (Getty Images)It has been confirmed that no replacement will link up with Gareth Southgate's squad. “We have the chance to win the game against Italy and secure qualification," the manager said. "But it’s another one of these games that we’re against a top ten nation and can we start beating these teams more regularly.
“That was the challenge when we went to Naples in March. We did that, we had a very good performance on the night and this will be a great test for us.”
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Saliba hailed by Ferdinand
Former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Arsenal's William Saliba. Even so, the 44-year-old stopped short of deeming Saliba the league's best in his position.
William Saliba impressed against Manchester City (Matt Impey/REX/Shutterstock)"He’s cool as you like with and without the ball. I don’t think he’s been dribbled past in eight games," Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast. "There was one moment I stopped the game and rewound it for me son because he plays centre-back.
"I said ‘watch this’! The ball gets played and he’s on the halfway line with Haaland. He’s giving all centre backs sleepless nights based on what he did last season. Saliba, the last person he saw before he went to sleep wouldn’t have been his missus, it would’ve been Haaland’s face."
Still, Ferdinand argued John Stones remains the league's best centre-back. The Manchester City and England star wasn't fit to start on Sunday, but came off the bench for his first appearance in two months.
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Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Arteta to pass on Keown's message
Mikel Arteta promised to pass on Martin Keown's praise for centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. However, during an interview with the Invincibles defender for Astro Supersport, he also encouraged Keown to tell them himself.
“I just want to say, by the way, the two central defenders – as an ex-central defender for Arsenal – they were immense today. Saliba and Gabriel, they ate Haaland!" Keown said. “And it’s not often you can say that because he’s a wonderful player. But they were really, physically top class if you want to pass that on to them.”
“Please tell them [yourself],” was Arteta's reply. “When you see them around, please tell them! I will pass the message on.”
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