Arteta expresses concern over Saka injury and hits out at relentless schedule

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League home clash against Everton, while also reflecting on his side's midweek Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.

Asked immediately about the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who was substituted early in the match against the German champions, Arteta said: "He's going to have another MRI scan this afternoon because there was quite a lot of fluid in the area, which made it difficult to assess the full extent of the injury. We should know more tomorrow. We need a few more tests and specialist opinions. Obviously, when a player has to come off, struggles to walk without pain, and has limited mobility, those are never good signs. So let's be very patient before making a final assessment, and we will keep you updated."

Providing updates on the rest of the squad, Arteta added: "Piero Hincapie is available. Richy (Riccardo Calafiori) is in a different phase because he had a full pre-season and has been available for every match. Zubimendi? He had a few opportunities and then got injured. It's true that in one game he was available to play a few minutes, but not to start. From now on, he is earning the right to play. I need to find the right games to give him that opportunity, and when I do, I know how he will respond. He is a player who deserves more minutes right now."

When questioned about the demanding fixture congestion, the Spanish tactician remarked: "Of course I'm worried, and that is precisely what needs to change. Bukayo didn't start against Lille because we knew what was coming—we had to play three matches in less than six days, especially when these games are so physically taxing. You are out there until the very last minute fighting for a result, and the expectation is to win every match. We prepare the players for these scenarios and do everything we can. Now, we really need to understand how we manage that workload again once he returns, whenever that may be. What is he capable of doing today to make an impact on the team?"

"The physical demands we place on every player are immense—the sheer volume of games, the intensity, international duty. The turnaround between fixtures is also getting shorter and shorter. Just look at our schedule: we play away on Sunday afternoon, then on Wednesday night, and then again on Saturday. There are fewer than 66 or 67 hours between games, and that's on top of everything we've already exerted."

Arteta also reserved special praise for Eberechi Eze: "We have great depth because the players are in the right frame of mind. I am extremely proud of that—of the harmony in the squad and the drive we've built, not only among the starters but also with those who finish the game and play a decisive role. We saw another fantastic example of that with Ebs."

"He could have been deeply frustrated—and I'm sure he was—after being taken off just before half-time (against Nottingham Forest). But he came back ready to step onto the pitch and make a massive impact, which is exactly what you need. Otherwise, you can have the best bench in the world, but it won't deliver when required. I am delighted with Ebs' response."

Looking ahead to the clash with the Toffees, the Arsenal boss concluded: "I know David Moyes very well—how he sets his team up and the quality they possess, both in their structure and on an individual level. It's no fluke that Everton went on that unbeaten run before their last match; they are a very good side. We know that first-hand because our recent meetings with them have always been extremely tough."