'Available': Arteta confirms double Arsenal fitness boost for Aston Villa game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a double fitness boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa on the road on Monday evening.
The Gunners made a perfect start to their title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. The margin of victory should have been wider with the chances created.
Arsenal will now travel to Villa Park for their next league game. It could be a tough challenge for the club despite Villa suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided some positive news on the fitness front.
Ezri Konsa arrived from Aston Villa prior to last weekend’s game. He could not be registered for the curtain-raiser but could make his club debut against his former employers.
When asked about the defender’s availability to face the Villans on Monday, the manager said: “He’s available. He’s trained really well and he will be available for selection.”
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes was not deemed fit for the league opener with a groin issue picked up during the 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield this month.
The Brazil international has since returned to first-team training, and Arteta acknowledged that the club are managing his load so that he is in the best possible condition to be selected.
The Spaniard confirmed that he could return against Villa, he added: “Yes, potentially available.”
Villa have been Arsenal’s bogey club in the past few years. The Gunners have won just two of the previous six meetings and have suffered a couple of defeats at Villa Park.
One of those losses came last season. Emiliano Buendia won it for the Midlands outfit with literally the last kick of the game, which left Arsenal players completely shattered.
Arsenal avenged the loss within the same month (December) with a 4-1 win at the Emirates and will hope to produce a similar showing against Unai Emery’s side on Monday.
Villa are no longer the same opposition with the departures of several stars. Aside from Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Donyell Malen have left them.
Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have been difference-makers against Arsenal in the past, but the duo are on the cusp of joining Al-Hilal and Chelsea respectively this month.
Still, the Gunners can’t take things lightly and must get the job done with a professional display. Cristhian Mosquera has been solid in central defence, but he could still be replaced.
Konsa has been signed as direct cover for the injured William Saliba. We won’t be surprised if the England international starts from the off and partners Gabriel Magalhaes on Monday.
Guimaraes would normally be a favourite to start in central midfield if deemed fit. However, with Myles Lewis-Skelly’s bright form, the Brazilian could be eased back into action after his minor injury.
Lewis-Skelly could partner Declan Rice again. Guimaraes could replace either at the hour mark.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post 'Available': Arteta confirms double Arsenal fitness boost for Aston Villa game first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
