Mikel Arteta has come out swinging in defence of his secretive approach to injury updates. The Arsenal boss is known for playing his cards close to his chest regarding the fitness of his squad, often leaving fans and the media guessing.
His tactics were evident last week before Arsenal’s showdown with Liverpool, where despite Bukayo Saka missing training due to a hamstring issue sustained on England duty, he not only played but scored and gave Liverpool’s Andy Robertson a run for his money.
Liverpool were left blindsided by Saka’s surprise inclusion in the starting XI, yet Arteta stands by his strategy of keeping opponents in the dark about his team’s condition, reports the Mirror.
“For me, I will tell you everything but that has consequences. I need to be very careful because sometimes I can tell you a player is going to be a few weeks but is a few months,” Arteta explained.
“Sometimes I don’t know if a player is going to be fit in two days’ time or when the press conference is. When I know, I am not going to lie to you. I am not going to say: ‘He’s not fit’ – and then I play him, I would never do that.
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“But if I am certain or I don’t want to tell you, I will keep you guessing. This is my job. But as well to keep all these guys, everyone alert as well, that is important. I don’t want to make it easy for anybody.
“The opponent has to work and think and prepare and make sure they do their homework like I have to. I wish I knew their starting XI, who is on the bench, but I don’t. It is our job to guess and do the work we have to do.”
The Mail reports Arteta is shrouding his squad in secrecy as the Gunners approach matchday, with a strategy to remain tight-lipped about injuries. Its a tactic born from his commitment to gain every possible advantage.
While he isnt trying to deceive anyone, other Premier League coaching staff have reportedly started to skip his pre-match briefings, having become used to his evasive approach.
Arsenal are set to face Preston North End in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night before jetting off to Newcastle for Saturday’s clash against Eddie Howe’s side. Expect Arteta to play coy about the status of his key players as they gear up for their encounter with the Magpies.