Arsenal’s Monster Mood: Arteta Sets Sights on Brentford with Injury Updates and Grit

Ahead of Brentford clash, Arteta stresses fans and rhythm

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stressed the importance of fan support and maintaining a high tempo as they prepare for Wednesday’s clash with Brentford in the 14th round of the Premier League.

He opened by addressing the status of French defender William Saliba, saying: \"I can’t help you much today, as we have a training session later. Until then, we won’t know the final word. He has a small injury, and I think it will be a matter of days.\"

On Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, Arteta said: \"For Trossard, it’s only days. For Havertz, weeks. He is progressing very well, training on the pitch, but he needs time.\"

He also mentioned Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes: \"For Gabriel, the absence will be weeks as well, but he is doing very well.\"

Asked about potential squad rotation, he replied: \"The chance is tomorrow at the Emirates for the stadium to buzz with energy and fuel the win. This is the moment we have. We want everyone on the pitch like monsters, to keep fighting and beat Brentford. A vital, huge game.\"

Arteta spoke about the source of the team’s motivation: \"Our motivation comes from preparation and how we prepare for every game to be better than the opponent. Our league position and what we’re doing now gives us enough motivation.\"

He elaborated on rotation policy: \"We manage every situation and every player according to how they feel and the context of the matches, with one objective: to place the best options on the pitch to be better than the opponent.\"

Regarding Declan Rice winning the Fans’ Player of the Year award, Arteta said: \"I think he’s reached a level close to what we expected. He deserves the award; he has been steady for the last two years. In big matches and decisive moments, he always shows up, which is crucial.\"

On injuries this season, he noted: \"The way players have dealt with the injuries and given everything to compensate has been the key to the season so far.\"

He returned to Havertz: \"He did everything but couldn’t reach the next level. We all miss his return. I love him personally for what he brings to the team, and I cannot wait to see him back on the pitch. I believe his comeback will be a huge boost.\"

Punchline: If football is chess, Arteta is playing 4D, and my coffee is still buffering during the briefing. Punchline 2: When in doubt, blame the formation — it’s clearly practicing stealth mode for goals.