Mikel Arteta has said that he and his Arsenal players “do not feel sorry for ourselves” despite injuries to a number of key players before the Premier League match against title challengers Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners are already without captain Martin Odegaard, who has missed the past nine games after picking up an injury for Norway in the September international break, and winger Bukayo Saka, who limped out of England’s loss to Greece earlier this month.
There are also concerns over the fitness of defender Riccardo Calafiori after he was substituted during Arsenal’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, and fellow defender Jurrien Timber has missed the past three games with a muscle injury.
Centre-back William Saliba is also unavailable after his red card during the defeat by Bournemouth, and it means that Arteta could have to pick a side against top-of-the-table Liverpool with five key players missing.
“This is the game,” Arteta said.
“Obviously we didn’t want to be in those situations but we are really lucky as well to have the squad that we have, to have the players that we have, to have the attitude that we have.
“When it comes down to reacting to a difficult situation, don’t feel sorry for ourselves; face it.
“We are a team that know how good we are as well and how difficult we can be for the opponent. Having that ruthless mentality in the team is something I love.”
Arteta described the situation regarding the injured trio of Saka, Calafiori and Timber as “very uncertain” but kept his ideas of how to replace the suspended Saliba close to his chest.
“We have different options [in defence],” Arteta said.
“That partnership [between Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution. [There is] so much going on with the backline but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful.
“We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game.
“This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates. The team is really looking forward to it.
“We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this.
“Arne Slot’s start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They’re a team who for nine years have been competing at the highest level.”