Mikel Arteta Opens Up on Illness That Affected Arsenal Squad Against Brighton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the impact of illness within the squad that disrupted preparations for the recent 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. Speaking to Arsenal Media, Arteta shared how key players like Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard were affected, emphasizing the challenges his team faced in assembling a competitive lineup.

The Gunners went into the game needing a win to maintain pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool. However, illness plagued the squad, with Kai Havertz missing the game entirely and captain Martin Ødegaard pushing through despite limited preparation.

“Kai Havertz tried, but he was very honest and said: ‘I can’t even train, I’m not feeling good at all,’” Arteta explained. “We tried yesterday to see if he could train, and he did his best, but he wasn’t able to do that.”

Havertz, who has been a regular feature in Arteta’s midfield, was a noticeable absence, leaving a gap in Arsenal’s lineup. The illness couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the Gunners needing a strong performance following their draw against Brighton, which kept them six points behind Liverpool in the title race.

Arteta also revealed that Ødegaard, a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s midfield, battled illness leading up to the game but chose to play despite the discomfort. “Martin didn’t train and said, ‘I will see how I feel tomorrow,’” Arteta added. “He did his best to be here because we know the numbers that we have.”

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal managed to secure a point at the American Express Stadium, with Ethan Nwaneri scoring in the first half before Brighton equalized via a second-half penalty. The draw was not the result Arsenal had hoped for, but considering the circumstances, Arteta expressed his admiration for the commitment shown by his players.

The illness highlights the thin margins teams face in a highly competitive Premier League season. With Liverpool setting the pace at the top of the table and Arsenal trailing by six points, every game is crucial. The absence of key players like Havertz and the compromised fitness of Ødegaard demonstrate how unforeseen factors can derail even the most meticulously planned campaigns.

Looking ahead, Arteta will be hoping to have his squad back to full strength quickly, with a packed schedule looming. Arsenal face Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on January 7, followed by an FA Cup clash against Manchester United and the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Illness aside, Arsenal’s draw against Brighton has kept them in the title race, but Arteta knows his team must be firing on all cylinders to close the gap on Liverpool. The commitment shown by players like Ødegaard, who stepped up despite illness, underlines the team’s desire to fight for every point. However, ensuring a healthy and fit squad will be key as the Gunners aim to capitalize on any slip-ups from their rivals.

For now, Arteta and his staff will focus on recovery, hoping their squad can bounce back in time for the critical fixtures ahead.