In north London, Arsenal’s return from the international break has brought a fresh fitness concern for Mikel Arteta, with Greece forward Christos Tzolis set for a spell away from the squad after suffering a muscle injury on national-team duty.
The news from the club
Arteta said the 24-year-old will be unavailable for several weeks. “He has a muscular problem and I think he will be out for a few weeks,” the Arsenal manager said.
The Spaniard also gave an update on a group of players whose availability is being assessed ahead of the club’s next match. Declan Rice has carried discomfort since returning from the World Cup, although Arteta remains hopeful that the midfielder can feature.
Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa will be monitored until late before a decision is made, while Piero Hincapié, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Max Dowman are expected to be available.
Arteta was also asked about Manchester City’s financial-rules case, after the club was found to have breached Premier League regulations. The process has not yet concluded, with an appeal still pending.
He declined to discuss the possible implications for Arsenal’s title rival, stressing that neither he nor the club would comment further until the legal process has run its full course. “My position, and I think the club’s as well, is that we should not say anything more until it is completely resolved,” he said.
Arteta added that Arsenal must keep their attention on their own work rather than matters beyond their control. “There is nothing in our hands; all we can do is focus on everything we can control,” he said.
The coach also spoke warmly about extending his Arsenal contract through to 2030, describing himself as “extremely honoured” to continue his long-term project in London.
