The Arsenal manager Mikel Areta played concerns about the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice and at the same time provides a clearer picture of Gabriel’s recovery time bar.
Rice was the hero of a night that one could remember on Tuesday in the Emirates Stadium and in the first leg change of the quarterfinal of the Champion League two breathtaking goals in a deserved 3-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Bukayo Saka, who started his first start in three and a half months, won both free kick that Rice achieved. The penetrative wing player lasted 74 minutes before sank the lawn and gestured to a substitution. Shortly afterwards, rice followed and hobbled after he received medical treatment on the field.
Arsenal was plagued by fitness concerns all the season, but Arteta was very interested in emphasizing that the list of absentee had no longer been added. “Rice has a small foot problem and Saka knocking,” the Gunner’s boss told reporters after the triumphal excursion. “But it doesn’t seem to be serious.”
The Brazilian central defender Gabriel had to observe the action from an executive box when caring for a thigh injury. The club confirmed that the defender needed an operation and various reports excluded it for the rest of the season. Areta made it clear that Gabriel failed for four months and ensures that he should be available for the start of the 2025/26 campaign in August.
“It was a season in which we had to adapt constantly. We went through many things. We probably lost our best defender [Gabriel] for four months but Jakub [Kiwior] Comes in and delivers the performances he delivered, “said Arteta.
“It is no coincidence. The way you train, how to use yourself and how to help each other. I think it creates these moments [against Real Madrid]. “
Arsenal moderator Brentford on Saturday, before traveling to Madrid to the second leg of her quarter -finals next Wednesday.