Arteta Focused On Chelsea Clash Amid Injury Concerns And Transfer Talks
Sports Updated: 02 February 2026 18:00 EAT
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad to take matches "day by day, competition by competition" ahead of their crucial tie against Chelsea. Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta emphasized the challenge posed by the London rivals. "Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side," he said.
Reflecting on Chelsea and the tie, Arteta added: "Every team has their own things. I think Liam is doing an incredible job. The tie has a context, a very specific one. We need to make it very concrete to win it."
On the importance of the upcoming match, Arteta highlighted the role of fans in creating a charged atmosphere. "Yes, the next one is the most important one, and it's the closest, to reach a final. With people we need to create the energy, the atmosphere," he said.
Arteta also commented on striker Gyokeres, praising his consistency and movement. "Yes, but his all-round play and performances he has been much more consistent in actions. His movement, understanding his runs. His presence inside the box, he has been more prolific."
The Arsenal boss confirmed that midfielder Mikel Merino faces a setback with a foot injury. "We hope so. He needs to go through a procedure which is never positive. He is a big player for us. It's a big blow. Yes [It's a fracture]. Let's see, it's a very rare injury. We will have to keep monitoring it."
On versatility within the squad, Arteta singled out Myles Lewis-Skelly, noting: "Myles has the quality to play in different positions and even in attacking midfield."
The Spaniard also addressed Arsenal’s plans in the transfer window following Merino’s injury. "Of course. When you lose a big player in the squad when you're in four competitions you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. If not, we move on."
On deadline day activity, Arteta admitted a busy schedule ahead. "We are always active in every window. We had the departure of Ethan to Marseille for the right reasons, and then the news of Mikel was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual."
Speaking on the process of finding replacements, Arteta expressed full trust in the club’s technical team. "Andrea is in full charge of that and I fully trust him with the relationship that we've built. We believe that he can find that player, and the financial options."
Finally, reflecting on Arsenal’s title hopes after a strong weekend, Arteta said: "We need another 13 or 14 of those to make it happen. We know there is still so much to do."
Tags: Signs Media Kenya Limited Arsenal Fc Chelsea Fc English Football League English Premier League Mikel Arteta Signsmedia Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD