Mikel Arteta: Arsenal have done well to deal with ongoing injuries

Arteta confirmed that both William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are doubts for the midweek meeting, leaving the Gunners potentially short of options in two crucial areas.

The defensive situation is further complicated by the continued absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, who remains sidelined with a longer-term injury.

Kai Havertz is also still unavailable as he works his way back from a similar issue, reducing the manager's flexibility in attack and midfield.

Despite the squad being strengthened since last season, Arteta admitted that depth is beginning to look stretched as the busy winter period approaches.

"Especially how we lost them [the injuries] with Leandro Trossard as well, because Leo was in a great moment, and Gabriel Martinelli was just coming back, and we had to manage his minutes," said Arteta.

"He wasn't able to play more than he did on Sunday. So, managing that, the fact that obviously Willy trained the day before, and then he was uncomfortable, players are not training in certain positions, having to play there.

"But again, the attitude to it and the way the players are performing and giving everything they can to fulfil those absences, it's been the key part of the season. We have to deal with a lot already.

"[Kai] was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it's looking like we have unlocked that. We're all desperate to have him. It's a player that personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team. His character, his personality, I see him suffer, being outside.

"His playing record is phenomenal. He's always been available, and I can't wait to have him back around the team playing now because I think it's going to be a massive boost for the team.

"Well, the ankle one, it was a really random and a very unlucky action that kept [William] out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield, he wasn't comfortable, and he had to stay away and this one as well, very bizarre. But hopefully it will be a matter of days."

The pressure to maintain momentum is high, with Arsenal sitting at the top of the Premier League table. They hold a two-point advantage over Manchester City and still have a game in hand 

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