Mikel Arteta has explained why Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Fabio Vieira all missed Arsenal's pre-season win over Everton.
The Gunners got their tour of the United States off to the perfect start, with new signing Gabriel Jesus breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute before Hale End academy graduate Bukayo Saka doubled the lead three minutes later. The score ended 2-0 but some fans were concerned by the fact that multiple first-team players were not included in the matchday squad.
Now, manager Arteta has confirmed that the aforementioned quintet all missed the match because of injury. Speaking after the win against the Toffees, he said: "We have Kieran [Tierney] with a slight problem, we have Emile [Smith Rowe] with a muscular niggle, Tomiyasu as well and Ben [White].
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"Vieira has a slight problem in his bone, hopefully he will start to train in the next week or so." First-choice fullbacks Tierney and Tomiyasu missed large stretches of the 2021/22 campaign through injury, something that eventually cost Arsenal a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League and their fresh fitness woes will certainly be a concern for the Gunners faithful.
Still, the north Londoners are closing in on a deal for versatile Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, who can fill in for Tierney at left-back as well as in central midfield. football.london understands that Arsenal are hopeful of securing a deal for the Ukrainian that will cost significantly less than previous target Lisandro Martinez, who is set to move to Manchester United for a fee believed to be in the region of €65 million.
If a deal for the Ukrainian is completed, he will become the fifth summer arrival at the Emirates Stadium, joining former teammate Jesus, American goalkeeper Matt Turner, young winger Marquinhos and the aforementioned Vieira.
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