{"id":1694,"date":"2026-04-11T05:46:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T05:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1694"},"modified":"2026-04-11T05:46:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T05:46:58","slug":"arsenal-news-mikel-arteta-confirms-injury-boost-as-boss-sets-premier-league-points-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1694","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta confirms injury boost as boss sets Premier League points target"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_b6bb55\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an injury update as the Premier League title race heats up<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36996849\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996849.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2264889146.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996849.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_GettyImages-2264889146.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996849.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_GettyImages-2264889146.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996849.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2264889146.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update<cite aria-label=\"Image: Ryan Pierse\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Ryan Pierse\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal are set to return to Premier League action as the title race restarts this weekend. The Gunners are preparing to host Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The early afternoon kick-off presents Mikel Arteta\u2019s side with an opportunity to possibly move 12 points ahead of Manchester City, who will have two games in hand. Arsenal will hope to capitalise on the chance to heap more pressure on Pep Guardiola\u2019s side ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Gunners are in good spirits following their midweek win over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Arteta has added to the optimistic feeling by confirming that Eberechi Eze is fit to face Bournemouth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, the Arsenal boss was more cryptic when asked for updates on other members of his squad. Here, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mirror Football<\/strong> takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong> <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mirrorfootballarsenal#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"\/><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_e65c2b\">Mikel Arteta confirms injury boost<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Arsenal manager has shared that Eberechi Eze is available to face the Cherries on Saturday. The 27-year-old had been sidelined with a calf injury but returned to training earlier this week.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_020eaf\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Arsenal eye summer transfer swoop for Spain star as club chief confirms offer<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_020eaf\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Mikel Arteta warned about Arsenal failure as Jamie Carragher issues Premier League ultimatum<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When asked about Eze&#8217;s fitness, Arteta said: &#8220;He is available. My first conversation with him after felt that niggle he wanted to be available the next week. That was not possible. The recovery, the way he has shown to get back, the way he has pushed.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, the Spanish coach showed a hint of mind games when speaking about the condition of several other players. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all missed training on Thursday, with the boss providing a cryptic update.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: &#8220;Yes, there have been changes there since yesterday.&#8221; Asked which of the players could face Bournemouth, Arteta added: &#8220;I don&#8217;t know. Some of them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36996850\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36996850\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pity the King of Arsenal\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996850.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2266782070.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996850.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2266782070.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996850.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2266782070.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36996850.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2266782070.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Arsenal star Eberechi Eze has returned to fitness\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Arsenal star Eberechi Eze has returned to fitness<cite aria-label=\"Image: Vince Mignott\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Vince Mignott\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_e65c2b\">Premier League points target set<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has set the points tally his side need to win the Premier League title, making Arsenal\u2019s mission clear. The club currently sit nine points behind the Gunners, having played a game less, and could see that gap increase before their next match.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;We have to win every single game,\u201d Guardiola said. &#8220;Hopefully we can get a lot of points. The situation we are in in the Premier League, we need to get all of them otherwise it will not give us a chance to try until the end.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;We need to get a lot of points. We have not been consistent enough in the season. We have dropped points that we should have taken, which is why we are now in the position where we cannot do it differently.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City winning their remaining eight games, including a home clash with Arsenal later this month, would give Guardiola\u2019s side 85 points. The Gunners can better that total, even with a potential loss to City, by winning five and drawing one of their six other games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Another five victories could be enough for Arsenal to end their title drought on goal difference, should their rivals win every match. Meanwhile, a positive result against City on April 19 would further dent City\u2019s hopes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/Feq1SEG6mXDIZGTTnek7oz\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><em><u>Join our new WhatsApp community<\/u> <\/em><\/a><em>and receive your daily dose of<\/em> <em\/><em><u>Mirror<\/u> <\/em><em\/><em><u>Football<\/u> <\/em><em>content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you&#8217;re curious, you can read our<\/em> <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><em\/><em><u>Privacy Notice.<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Get 70% off Premier League kits and merch<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36085087.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Untitled-8jpeg.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>Various Prices<\/p>\n<p>Fanatics<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/fanatics.93n6tx.net\/c\/344386\/586570\/9663?subId1=Regionals-football.london&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.co.uk%2Fen%2Fc-14672\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Buy Now on Fanatics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Fanatics has slashed up to 70<!-- -->% off <!-- -->football kits and merch. Fans can find discounts on products from Premier League clubs including Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an injury update as the Premier League title race<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1694\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}