Arteta Offers Injury Update Ahead of Leeds Test Calls on Premier League to Increase Matchday Squad Size

Spread the love

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update ahead of his team’s Premier League clash against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, confirming that no new fitness concerns emerged from the Gunners’ recent 3–2 Champions League victory over Kairat Almaty.

Kai Havertz was involved in that midweek win, while defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were left out to help manage their playing time amid a demanding schedule.

Arteta Reassures Fans on Player Fitness

Addressing questions about Saliba and Timber, Arteta moved to calm any worries over their condition.

“Saliba and Timber are fine,” he said. “They’ve been dealing with heavy minutes and a few minor issues, so it was important that we gave them a rest and allowed them to recover.”

The Arsenal boss also dismissed concerns regarding Havertz’s knee, confirming that the German is available.

“Havertz played the other day and there were no problems with his knee. We’re hopeful he can continue to contribute and help the team,” Arteta added.

Renewed Call for Larger Matchday Squads

As Arsenal remain active on multiple fronts this season, Arteta has once again urged the Premier League to expand matchday squads from 20 to 23 players, insisting that such a change would better protect players’ value and mental well-being.

Under the current regulations, teams are allowed to name nine substitutes, make five substitutions, and use an additional replacement in cases of concussion. However, Arteta believes those limits no longer reflect the growing physical and psychological demands placed on modern footballers.

Impact on Squad Players

Using summer signing Christian Nørgaard as an example, Arteta explained the difficulty of regularly leaving players out of matchday squads.

“At the moment, there are always two or three players who miss out completely. That’s the reality, and I can’t change it,” he said.

“These are the rules. Hopefully, from next season, instead of 18 outfield players, the Premier League will allow 20. I’m asking them from here to follow the Champions League model.”

He added that such a move would make squad management far more effective.

“It’s much better for managing the squad, protecting the value of the players, and safeguarding their mental health, because nobody wants to be excluded,” Arteta said.

“I’m asking the league to help us with that. Travel and logistics aren’t the issue. The hardest thing is having to leave someone behind.”

Emotional Toll of Excluding Players

Arteta went on to highlight the emotional burden managers face when informing players they will not be involved on matchdays, stressing how damaging it can be to confidence and morale.

“We’re in a very unique profession where we can completely change someone’s life or career, which is incredible,” he explained.

“But every single week, we also have to tell someone that they won’t do their job tomorrow — they’re not even allowed to travel with the team.”

Drawing a comparison to everyday work environments, he added, “You wouldn’t go into a kitchen and tell two chefs not to cook, just to watch others or go home. That’s how difficult it is.”

According to Arteta, players need to feel included to maintain belief and motivation.

“They need to travel, to be there, and to feel they have a chance. When you take that away, it affects them deeply. They start to feel they’re not good enough.

“In reality, the message is clear: I’ve chosen 20 other players ahead of you. And that’s something I worry about a lot.”

Packed Schedule Fuels Arteta’s Argument

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table and have already played 36 matches this season while competing across four different competitions. Arteta believes such workload makes squad expansion not just beneficial, but essential.

“It doesn’t make much sense to restrict squads under these circumstances,” he said.

“We need to expand them and allow everyone to feel part of the group. That way, we can make better decisions for each match, manage minutes more effectively, protect players mentally and emotionally, and adjust games properly.

“I truly believe it would be better for everyone involved.”