Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eberechi Eze is fit for their clash against Bournemouth. The two sides will face off at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners have had a mixed few weeks, losing two of their last three games. They lost 2-0 in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City before the international break. They then lost 2-1 at Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The north London side then beat Sporting CP 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg.
Thanks for the submission!
The north London side are now looking to bounce back and continue their charge towards the Premier League title. In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed Eze’s return, saying (h/t Arsenal.com):
“He is available. He has (been ahead of schedule), my first conversation with him after he felt a niggle, he wanted to be available the next week, we knew that was impossible.
“But the recovery, the will that he’s shown from day one to get back as quick as possible, how he’s pushed the medical staff and himself to be there tomorrow, it’s just great to watch.”
Eze missed Arsenal’s last three games. The Gunners signed him from Crystal Palace for £60 million plus £7.5 million add-ons. He has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 43 games across competitions this season.
Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Arsenal midfielder
The Gunners have been without Mikel Merino since January 25. He featured in their 3-2 Premier League defeat against Manchester United and has been out due to a foot injury since then.
Providing an update on his injury, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said:
“He’s another one that is going to push every boundary. He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery. He’s got no pain.”
“It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter. If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again.”
Merino arrived at Arsenal from Real Sociedad in 2024. He has made 77 appearances for them, scoring 15 and providing eight assists.
The Gunners, meanwhile, sit atop the Premier League standings, nine points above Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The two sides are also scheduled to face off at the Etihad on April 19.
Edited by Aditya Singh
