Mikel Arteta has provided updates on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United this weekend.
Arsenal face old rivals Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend looking to continue the club’s impressive recent form, victory at Southampton in midweek extending the Gunners run to five wins in their past six league fixtures.
Arteta’s side have risen to ninth in the Premier League and are now just three points adrift of the division’s top six, ahead of what shapes up as a fascinating encounter against the second-placed Red Devils.
Arteta has provided fitness updates on Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe ahead of the clash after both players were substituted during the win at St Mary’s, revealing the duo will be assessed this week before a decision is made on their involvement.
“Let’s see how they come through training,” Arteta said at a pre-match press conference. “They had some discomfort in different parts. We still have some days until the game, but not long, so let’s see how they are.”
Arteta also provided an update on Aubameyang with the forward having missed the club’s past two fixtures for personal reasons, the Gabon international’s mother understood to be in ill health.
“He had to support his family and he had to be with them.”
The Gunner boss refused to confirm when the 31-year-old will return to the side and admitted he was unsure whether Aubameyang will be involved this weekend.
“I don’t know what will happen.”
Arsenal could include Martin Odegaard in their side for this weekend’s game following the confirmation of the midfielder’s arrival from Real Madrid, the Norway international having signed a loan deal until the end of the season.
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