Mikel Arteta has provided an Arsenal injury update ahead of the club’s final Premier League home game of the season against Burnley
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal are close to welcoming back several injured players in a major boost for the Gunners.
Ben White is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an MCL injury in Sunday’s 1-0 victory at West Ham.
Riccardo Calafiori was also forced off at the interval after also picking up an issue at the end of the first half.
But Arteta is optimistic good news is on the way, explaining: “We lost Ben the other day but the others are coming back as well. I’m so enthusiastic, so positive.”
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When pushed on Jurrien Timber’s potential return from a long-term groin problem, Arteta finally confirmed there had been progress.
The Spaniard said of the Dutchman: “He has progressed a little bit in the last few days. We will try to get him back. He is a really important player for us and he’s doing everything he can to help the squad in any way possible.”
When asked if there’s a chance he will play again this season, Arteta added: “There is a chance but how big that chance is I cannot tell you. He is going to try and do everything he can to convert that chance, and that’s the challenge ahead.”
Arsenal play their final home game of the season on Monday night against relegated Burnley as they look to take another crucial step towards the Premier League title.
If they beat the Clarets, they will be crowned champions on Tuesday night if City fail to win away at Bournemouth.
Incredibly, the Cherries are still on a 16-match unbeaten streak in the top-flight and they’ve set their sights on Champions League qualification.
Even if City do win, Arsenal will be end their gruelling 22-year wait for Premier League title glory on the final day if they win at Crystal Palace.
Arteta also confirmed Calafiori remains doubtful for Monday evening, stating: “No we don’t know if he’s going to be available, we have days ahead, hopefully it is nothing serious.”
The Gunners boss also shared his frustration after losing White to a serious knee injury, saying of the right-back: “It looks like a long term injury. At the moment the focus is when can we have him back, that is not going to happen in many many weeks.”
Mikel Merino could play again this season though as he’s been making good progress in his recovery following foot surgery earlier this year. The versatile Spaniard is back running on the grass.
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