Arsenal Provide Key Injury Updates Ahead of Manchester United

Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey Injury Updates

Both midfielders were unable to complete the full 90 minutes at St. Mary’s, a pair of injuries that appeared like cramp more than anything.

Arteta, who loves discussing player injuries as if they’re Pokemon getting enough experience to turn into Charizard, also provided news on the duo, who, quite frankly, are essential components of Arsenal want a positive result on Saturday.

"“I don’t know let’s see how they come today,” he added. “They have some discomfort in different parts Thomas and Emile. We will have to see how they evolve. We still have some days until the game, but not long so let’s see how they recover.”"

In the case of Partey it looked like cramp, while there was some slight concern of Smith Rowe, although that too didn’t look overly serious. Either way, if Smith Rowe isn’t fit then the Odegaard deal is immediately vindicated (not that it needed it in the first place). It’d be one hell of baptism of fire pitting him against United from the off having barely played over the last two months, thus a starting berth is highly unlikely.

As for the captain, he revealed this personal matter to be relating to his mother’s health. Fortunately, she is now out of the hospital and able to return to the family home, with the Aubameyang family getting all our best wishes.

"Arteta concluded: “I don’t know [if he’ll be back for Saturday]. I spoke with him yesterday and things are looking better at the moment but we’re going to have to wait and see.”"

For a player with a strong record against United, the 31-year-old would be welcomed back into the side, although in terms of numbers the players who excelled on the south coast have the forward areas covered for now. Aubameyang is always a miss, but the performances of others mean that he needn’t be rushed back on this occasion.

As for Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari, both will miss out and return to training in the days building up to Saturday.