Mikel Arteta Delivers Thrilling Arsenal Injury Boost Ahead of Premier League Kickoff

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism that he will have four sidelined players available for selection when his team kicks off their Premier League campaign against Manchester United this month.

The North London club was compelled to approach their recent pre-season match, a 1–0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, with a depleted roster due to several injury concerns, and their fitness woes deepened when winger Leandro Trossard was forced to withdraw after merely 17 minutes.

Notable absentees from the match included Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, all of whom were dealing with fitness concerns that carried over from the previous campaign's conclusion, though Arteta remains optimistic that the trio will return to action soon.

"I don't think [they will be unavailable to face Man Utd], they've been involved in the last few days so Gabriel, Calafoiri, Timber, the three of them will be available." Arteta told the media.

Recent acquisition Kepa Arrizabalaga was also absent from the squad due to injury concerns, though Arteta emphasized that his exclusion from the Spurs encounter was merely a cautious decision.

"He felt something as well in the game against Newcastle," the Gunners manager revealed. "I think it's a matter of days probably. If that was the Premier League, he could have played but we decided not to take a risk."

The primary new worry involves Trossard, who has been scheduled for medical examinations to assess the extent of his injury.

"He felt a little tweak, I think he tried to turn and he was pushed and he felt something muscular so we'll have to assess him," Arteta concluded.

Arsenal have two additional friendlies scheduled against Spanish clubs, Villarreal and Athletic Club, before they commence their 2025–26 Premier League season with a visit to Old Trafford to meet United on August 17.