Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal's draw against Chelsea
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update regarding the injury of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. The pair had to be substituted during the Gunners' 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea on Sunday, November 10.
In a post-match interview, Arteta spoke about Saka and Rice's injuries. He said (via Standard.co.uk):
“It doesn’t look good, for two players of that importance to tell you they cannot continue in the game, obviously it’s not good news.
“Two players that just came off, I don’t expect them to be fit because if they are, they don’t come off,” he added.
Saka has been decent in attack for the Gunners this season, scoring four goals and registering seven assists in 15 games across competitions. If the England international is unavailable after the international break, his absence could affect Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Rice has been brilliant, providing the much-needed stability in the midfield for the Gunners. The Englishman has also registered three goal contributions (one goal and two assists) in 14 games in all competitions this season.
Arteta's latest comment could imply that Saka and Rice might not be joining England's squad for their forthcoming games against Greece and Ireland. Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League with 19 points from 11 games after a run of poor results.
Arteta's men will be eager to bounce back after the international break, as they've failed to win their last four league games.
Arsenal could sell Jakub Kiwior in January 2025 - Reports
Arsenal are interested in selling Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window, according to a report by Tuttomercatoweb (via TEAMtalk).
Kiwior was signed as a makeshift defender from Spezia for a reported €19.50 million in January 2023. However, he has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates as Arsenal have reportedly put an €20 million price tag on the Poland international. Inter Milan and Villarreal are currently keeping tabs on the player.
The centre-back has made seven appearances across competitions for the Gunners this season. His current contract expires in June 2028.