Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the injuries of Jurriën Timber, Thomas Partey, and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of the FA Cup match against Liverpool. The latter may already be available to play against Liverpool.
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta provided a comprehensive update on the injury situations of several key players ahead of their crucial FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been out since December 28 due to a calf injury he sustained against West Ham United, is showing positive signs of recovery. Arteta's optimism, expressed in a recent press conference, suggests that Zinchenko might be nearing his return to the pitch. The manager mentioned, "He is making good progress. We have another training session tomorrow, and we'll see if he's ready to start on Sunday," indicating that Zinchenko’s involvement in the upcoming game remains a possibility, depending on his performance in training.
The situation of Jurriën Timber, however, is more concerning. Having suffered a cruciate ligament tear at the start of the season, there were speculations in England about an early return. Arteta, however, has made it clear that Timber is still some way off from being fit enough to join group training sessions. Dismissing the rumors about an early return, Arteta stressed, "He is still far from fit enough to train with the group. We don’t expect him back anytime soon." This statement sets a more realistic timeline for Timber's recovery, underscoring the serious nature of his injury.
Thomas Partey's condition also remains a point of concern for Arsenal. The midfielder, who last played in mid-October, is dealing with a thigh injury. Arteta’s update on Partey wasn't very optimistic, as he indicated that training with the squad is not on the immediate horizon for him. The mention of a 'persistent injury' suggests that Partey's return to the field could be further delayed, which is a significant setback for the team.
On a brighter note, Arteta had some encouraging news about Fabio Vieira. Initially believed to be out for months due to a groin injury, Vieira's recovery appears to be progressing quicker than expected. Arteta's hope of having Vieira back within a few weeks is a positive development for Arsenal, especially considering the initial prognosis.
These updates from Arteta highlight the challenges Arsenal faces with player fitness, especially in key positions. The situation underscores the need for squad depth and the ability to adapt to the absence of crucial players. As Arsenal prepares for the FA Cup match against Liverpool, the team's ability to cope with these injuries could be a decisive factor in their performance.
