Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Calls for Adaptability Amid Injury Woes
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is urging his team to demonstrate flexibility and resilience as they navigate a season marred by a plethora of injuries. In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Arteta highlighted the absence of several key players as one of his biggest challenges this season. Notable absentees include Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, all of whom have required surgery, as well as Gabriel Martinelli, who has been sidelined for several weeks. Additionally, Martin Odegaard was out for two months earlier in the season, Ben White is only just returning following knee surgery, and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu remains long-term injured. Summer signings Ricardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have also missed significant game time. Despite these setbacks, Arteta emphasizes the importance of adaptability and trust within the team to maintain their competitive edge.
The Art of Adaptation: Trust and Flexibility on the Pitch
"This season, we have changed a lot of things in relation to, unfortunately, what has happened," Arteta noted. To cope with the injuries, Arsenal has had to make significant adjustments, including deploying midfielders Thomas Partey and Miles Lewis-Skelly in defensive roles, and even playing Merino as a striker in recent matches. "A lot is about trusting your players and finding other ways to do things," Arteta explained. "Obviously, when you’re missing four of your key attacking players and the defensive players, and situations that we have through the season, it’s very different. So it’s about adaptability and being still very consistent and very competitive." The manager stresses the importance of playing to the strengths of the available players and ensuring they feel confident in their roles to ensure the team’s success.
The Psychological Impact of Injuries: Supporting Players Through Tough Times
Arteta also delved into the psychological aspect of managing players with serious injuries, emphasizing the need to keep them engaged with the team. "Every case is different," he explained. "Some players, like Kai, have never had surgery or a big injury before. You have to explain it to them, and they need time to understand and process it. It’s a new and challenging process for them." To keep injured players involved, the club maintains their schedules and ensures they stay connected with the team, even when travel and training schedules make it challenging. "They want to be involved and part of everything that is happening around the team, even if they are not on the pitch," Arteta said. This approach helps maintain team cohesion and supports the players’ mental well-being during their recovery.
The January Transfer Window: A Missed Opportunity or a Well-Considered Decision?
Much attention has been given to Arsenal’s inactivity during the January transfer window, a decision that was scrutinized following subsequent injuries to Martinelli and Havertz. Arteta clarified that the club was indeed active but was unable to secure any signings. "We certainly tried," he revealed. "We made it very clear and public about our intention, and unfortunately, didn’t manage to do it." Arteta outlined the meticulous process involved in identifying and recruiting the right player, emphasizing the need for a fit, appropriate profile, and the right personality. "A player has to come to a big club, and you need to have certain status, certain personality to come here, put the shirt on and deliver," he explained. The club’s focus on these criteria ensures they bring in players who can seamlessly integrate and contribute to the team’s success.
The Rise of Academy Talent: Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly Shine
Two young players who have caught Arteta’s attention are Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly, both academy graduates who have made significant impacts this season. Arteta is thrilled with their progress and sees their development as part of Arsenal’s DNA. "The way they impressed us since they’ve been with us. It was more consistent throughout the pre-season, how we felt about them and how the team and the players felt about them," he said. "Both of them have deserved the chance they got, and they really performed." The manager believes that nurturing young talent is crucial for the club’s future and is committed to providing opportunities for more academy players to step up. "It’s part of our DNA. The more academy players we have with the right education and understanding of what we want, the easier it is, and the better it is," he added.
Up Next: Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest in their next fixture, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, kicks off at 19:30 UK time, with coverage starting at 18:30. TNT Sports is available across major TV platforms, including BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. Fans can also subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+ to catch all the action. As the Gunners prepare for this crucial match, Arteta’s focus remains on the team’s adaptability and the collective effort needed to overcome the ongoing challenges.
