Arsenal prepare for their match against Leicester: Arteta believes in quality performance despite injury and stresses need for solid defence

Arsenal are preparing for an important home game against Leicester City, despite injuries to several key players. Coach Mikel Arteta is confident of a positive result and stresses the importance of good defensive work by his team. Fans have become accustomed to the success and dominance of Leicester City, to whom they have only lost once at home since September 1973.

• Mikel Merino is recovering well but his return is likely to be delayed until next week
• Jurrien Timber and Ben White are likely to be available for the Leicester game
• David Raya will undergo further tests before a decision is made on his participation in the match

Arteta expressed his respect for Leicester and their coach Steve Cooper. “Leicester have a lot of ability and Cooper’s style is dangerous. I have seen a few of their games and they are very dangerous. Cooper beat me when he led Forest, so we take them seriously,” he added.

When asked if Arsenal could have done anything differently to prevent Leicester from winning the title, he replied respectfully. Leicester fully deserved it, what they did was amazing and it has become part of Premier League history.”

The health of Arsenal players before the game

Arteta gave an update on the players recovering from injury. Merino is working hard but his return is likely to be pushed back to next week.

“It’s early days, but we’ll see next week. He had a partial training session today and looks good. It just depends on how quickly the injury heals and when he’s ready for full contact.”

The other positive news concerns Timber and White. “Jurrien was able to practice today, which is good news. He will be available for the team. We hope Ben will be ready as well,” Arteta said.

We will decide on the participation of the number one goalkeeper just before the game. “We have to wait another 24 hours and see how he feels. It’s not about taking risks, it’s about whether the player is fit enough.” Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training, but Arteta said he is slightly behind Merino.

Arsenal’s defensive play

Arteta also stressed the importance of his team’s defensive work and the mentality of the players. “It’s about how willing the players are to work off the ball in possession. It’s not a sacrifice, it’s something they bring to the team, it’s something special and they have to love it,” he explained.

Source: X, Arsenal