Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that key duo William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli will miss the Gunners’ Premier League encounter with Burnley, as the club looks to extend its impressive unbeaten run.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta provided updates on the pair’s fitness, revealing that both players sustained injuries during Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace and were unavailable for the recent victory against Brighton.
“Martinelli’s still out,” Arteta said. “Saliba we have to wait and see. We have another training session this afternoon. The rest are still getting closer. I think in the right direction, but not available yet.”
Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal have been in formidable form, going 11 matches unbeaten and keeping six consecutive clean sheets through October — a testament to the team’s balance and defensive discipline.
Arteta’s leadership has drawn praise for its composure and empathy, especially in how he manages selection challenges within a star-studded squad. He admitted that the toughest part of his job isn’t tactics or match preparation, but having to inform players they won’t feature.
“It is the worst part in terms of the decision with certain players when you don’t allow them to play,” Arteta confessed. “You know that 11 players are playing and another 11 know they’re not going to start. It’s difficult, but we are dealing with it in a really positive way.”
The Spaniard also struck an optimistic tone about the potential return of several other key figures, including Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz, who are edging closer to full fitness.
“I’m excited because they are tremendous players,” he said. “I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team. It’s going to be a huge boost for the squad to have them back very soon.”
As Arsenal prepare to face Burnley, Arteta’s focus remains on maintaining momentum and managing the fine balance between competition and camaraderie — hallmarks of a side increasingly looking like genuine Premier League title contenders.
