After Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 triumph over West Ham, manager Mikel Arteta addressed fans’ concerns about the fitness of key players Bukayo Saka and Ríccardo Calafiori. He also shed light on Gabriel Magalhães’ substitution, revealing it was linked to a recurring issue.
Arteta assured that neither Saka nor Calafiori had sustained serious injuries. Saka, who was seen limping during the match, underwent a post-game assessment and was deemed to be in stable condition. “There’s nothing significant with Bukayo,” Arteta clarified. “It was more precautionary. He felt some discomfort but nothing alarming.”
Similarly, Calafiori, making his Premier League debut, seemed to tweak his hamstring in the second half. However, Arteta downplayed the severity, stating that the Italian defender was being monitored but his condition was less concerning than initially feared.
The most worrying incident of the evening involved Gabriel, who had to be replaced in the 66th minute. Arteta explained that the Brazilian defender had been managing discomfort throughout the game. “Gabriel felt something, and I decided to take him off as a precaution,” Arteta noted. “We can’t afford to risk someone of his caliber, especially with the busy schedule ahead.”
Despite these challenges, Arsenal secured the victory, keeping them firmly in the hunt at the top of the Premier League standings. Arteta emphasized the importance of managing player fitness during this demanding period. “This is a hectic time, and it’s vital we take care of the squad. We’re closely monitoring their conditions, and the team is in high spirits,” he said.
As Arsenal prepares for their next fixture, fans will be hopeful for the swift recovery of key players like Saka and Gabriel, whose roles remain central to the club’s aspirations this season.
