We’ll wait to hear from Mikel Arteta on injury updates this morning before commenting on a story suggesting Kai Havertz’s return will be a little later than expected. From what we had heard, he was looking at the game after Christmas, but before New Year’s, to make his comeback, but now it could be mid-January.
Even if this story is true, it doesn’t add much to his already long absence, but let’s see if the manager is in any way forthcoming about that when he meets the press later. Maybe his Christmas gift to the Fourth Estates is a little tidbit of news that he wouldn’t normally give. He doesn’t want to be Scrooge, right?
For today’s blog though, we have a little link drop, starting with Andrew Allen’s visit to the Arsenal Hub to visit Arsenal in the Community to mark their 40th anniversary. It’s definitely worth it, and I think people can get a little disappointed with the idea of a football club and the work they do locally, but these things really matter and that’s clear from the piece and the people Andrew spoke to. Read that here.
As part of that event, Mikel Merino was there and Andrew had a few minutes to talk to him about the people who influenced his career, and how his experience has made him part of the leadership group at Arsenal:
I knew I had a lot of information in my head to give to my teammates. I wasn’t looking for the leadership group or any role. I just tried to be myself, tried to help the younger kids, tried to help my teammates, give them my experience and give them my point of view. And I think they just liked it because they brought me into the leadership group, and that strengthens my mentality.
He seems like a great guy and such a solid professional. That look he and Arteta exchanged after the Wolves game said a lot to me. That’s possible read the rest here.
Viktor Gyokeres has been a topic of discussion, especially in recent weeks when I think, given the matches, people fully expected him to increase his goal tally. It didn’t happen that way, and on Sky Sports a typically excellent piece from Nick Wright analyzes the striker’s season so far. Should his teammates simply serve him better, or can he do more himself? Read it here.
Speaking of forwards, Gabriel Jesus writes in the Player’s Tribune about his time out with an ACL injury:
For me, a day without football is a terrible day. It’s been that way ever since I learned to kick a ball. After I tore my ACL, I had 300 bad days in a row. When the doctor told me I would be out for 12 months, I mentally collapsed.
And his determination to make up for lost time, and the unfinished work he thinks he has at this club:
I feel like I have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don’t want to leave. When I came here to join Mikel, my goal was not just to score goals. My goal was to win titles. I think that’s why Mikel brought me here years ago. I don’t always have to be number 9 to help the team.
I’m not still here for the weather, am I?! I’m here to make history.
He has changed from a kind of forgotten man to someone people talk about with hushed optimism. I think you have to recognize the difficulties and the impact of the injuries, but also remember that he is only 28 and a quality player. Hopefully he can stay healthy, get fully match fit and if he does, he can make a big contribution to this team. Read the rest here.
Back ‘home’, and in his column this week, Tim talks about competing for the title in an era where the fear of failure comes not only from what happens on the pitch, but also on your phone or laptop. It can feel like there is no escape. Read it here.
And finally, below is an Arsecast where I talk to Kaya Kaynak about all kinds of things, including the EFL Cup. It’s one of those things that can give people fear about our ability to challenge for the title, but could it also fuel that race? Lots to listen to.
We’ll pass on all the news from Mikel Arteta’s press conference Arseblog news this morning, and we’re looking ahead to the game against Everton with a preview podcast on Patreon this afternoon. For now: enjoy it folks!
#Friday #links #Arsenal #Community #Merino #Gyokeres #Jesus