“Exceptional “: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives thumbs up to two World Cup stars after Reiss Nelson blow
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claims that the high-flying duo of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are ready to feature against West Ham on Boxing Day.
The Gunners are pushing for a Premier League title after going into the World Cup break five points clear of Manchester City.
Saka and Martinelli both ventured to the quarter-finals in Qatar with Brazil and England respectively. Despite their valiant efforts, an injury to back-up option Reiss Nelson means they will be more needed than ever once domestic action resumes.
Nelson came off injured during the friendly defeat to Juventus at the weekend and Arteta has admitted that further tests have not provided ‘good news’. Strength in depth has been a concern among Arsenal fans but, thankfully for them, the boss has suggested that Martinelli and Saka can be thrown straight back in at the deep end.
“I don’t have any concerns,” Arteta told reporters. “They have assessed really well and they will be training for us in the next few days so hopefully they will be ready. They came back [to the club] straight away into the rhythm, shape and mood of the team.
“I don’t have any concerns,” Arteta told reporters. “They have assessed really well and they will be training for us in the next few days so hopefully they will be ready. They came back [to the club] straight away into the rhythm, shape and mood of the team.
“We are waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them — Gabi was here on Saturday: a big smile, big energy and ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
Saka was a star performer with England at the World Cup and finished as their joint-top scorer with three goals. His Premier League form has also been superb, notching 10 goal contributions in 14 appearances before domestic action was paused.
By comparison, Martinelli had to settle for a bit-part role with Brazil but he has been hugely impactful in the league, with five goals to his name already. The free-scoring pair will be hugely important to the Gunners over the coming weeks with star striker Gabriel Jesus set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
The creativity of club captain Martin Odeegard could also be crucial but Arteta has urged every squad member to shoulder the burden of Jesus’ absence. Arsenal face West Ham on Boxing Day, Brighton on New Year’s Eve and Newcastle on January 3 as they will look to rediscover their momentum from before the World Cup.
