Mikel Arteta press conference: Five Arsenal talking points on injuries, squad and 'superpower'

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The latest news from Mikel Arteta's press conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich

The five big Arsenal talking points from Mikel Arteta's press conference

• Challenging the European Elite: Arteta views the match against Bayern Munich as a massive opportunity to test Arsenal’s current standing against an established elite European team. He stated that while the team shows great consistency, they are not yet in the same category as Bayern, who have won the Champions League six times.
• Injury Returns and Selection Management: Key players like Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke have returned to fitness and are available for selection. However, the coaching staff must be extremely careful when introducing these players, as most of those returning from six-to-eight-week layoffs are not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes.
• Gabriel Jesus Nears Full Recovery: Striker Gabriel Jesus is recovering ahead of schedule and is now "quite close" to making a return to the matchday squad. The team plans to organise a dedicated training game for him soon as a final step before he is fully available to knock on the door for selection.
• The Power of Squad Depth: Arteta praised the fierce competition for starting spots within the squad, which he views as a critical factor in the team’s overall success. He noted that having multiple players competing at a high level for every position, such as Eberechi Eze and Odegaard, raises the individual standard and is "extraordinary" for the team.
• Acknowledging the Crucial Role of Supporters: The manager emphasised the powerful atmosphere generated by the fans during the previous victory, calling it one of the best he has ever experienced. He encouraged the supporters to recognise their immense contribution, stating that their energy and connection are a "massive superpower" that provides the players with joy and confidence.

READ THE FULL STORY: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal vs Bayern Munich, Odegaard, Kane and returning stars