Arsenal fans, players and staff alike will all be hopeful that the squad can return from the international break in top condition ahead of the final run-in this season. The Gunners currently sit eight points clear of title rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, with an extra game played, putting the title race firmly in their hands.
Poor results and injuries may be one of the only things able to derail the campaign now, though the latter is becoming a concern with the volume of games before the end of May. Takehiro Tomiyasu is confirmed to be missing the rest of the season, while Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of William Saliba after a back concern.
When asked about the message he will tell his players over the international break, the Spaniard said: "That they really look after themselves in this period. We will look after the players that are with us here. That they come back with the same mindset and hunger from before to go into Leeds, which is the only important game right now. We know it."
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With most nations past their first game of the break with one to go, Arteta will be hopeful that any other injury concerns can be avoided. However, there was one heart-in-mouth moment on Saturday involving club captain Martin Odegaard during Norway's clash with Spain.
After having a shot in the box, a late challenge from Manchester City star Rodri landed on the Norwegian skipper, leaving him in a heap holding his ankle. No action was taken by the referee, something that infuriated those on the pitch, while concerns soon switched to Odegaard and his fitness.
Arsenal fans were furious in their reaction on social media, no less because the challenge came from a player of a direct title rival. However, the playmaker got back up and managed to see out the full game, though it remains to be seen how his recovery will be heading into the next game away to Georgia on Tuesday.
Discussing the clash after, Odegaard told TV2: "He’s coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I’m sure I’ll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don’t bother saying anything else about the referee. It’s better not to say anything."
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