Arsenal are gearing up for a huge Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain knowing that their domestic campaign is winding down but Mikel Arteta does not want to rest his stars for fear of their rhythm being upset
Mikel Arteta insists he will not wrap his Arsenal stars in cotton wool on Wednesday for fear of interrupting their rhythm before next week’s showdown against PSG. The Gunners host Crystal Palace knowing failure to win will confirm Liverpool as Premier League champions.
And with the excitement around next week’s Champions League semi-final already building, Arteta is adamant that he has no interest in resting his big names - even if their domestic campaign is all but over.
"We cannot think in those terms,” Arteta said. "When the players are fit and available, they have to play. They are at their best when they play and are consistent in their performances.
“When physically and emotionally they are good, their understanding and rhythms and the way they make their decisions is at its best. If they are not available or if they are not in good condition to perform, there's no discussion. But if they are, we are going to play them.”
Palace’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday forcing this game to be brought forward does offer Arsenal a weekend off to prepare for Paris.
“Very unusual,” Arteta said. “But it gives us more time to prepare for the game. We're very short in numbers at the moment. That little break will be good for us.”
He does, however, admit that there is always a fear of an unfortunate injury striking at the wrong time. “There’s always a balance,” Arteta added. “You want to balance the risk and make sure you’re sensible with the decision making. But that’s why we have a staff to guide us and tell us what we should be doing and the risks.”
Arteta played down the risk of Bukayo Saka further hurting an ankle after he came off following a brutal challenge from Ipswich’s Leif Davis on Sunday.
The Arsenal boss confirmed “it’s not serious” and once Saka is given the go ahead by the club’s medical staff he is expected to feature.
There was less positive news regarding Jorginho though, with Arteta admitting it is unclear whether the midfielder, out of contract in June, can play again this season because of a rib injury.
“I hope so, but I'm not certain,” Arteta said. “We have to see how he evolves in the next few days, I would say a few weeks.
“So the doctor was quite cautious still about talking about any dates. So let's see. The good news is that he's improving, he's feeling much better. It was quite a scary situation and he's in a good place now.”