Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms key players remain doubtful ahead of Aston Villa clash, with final training set to decide availability

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that several first-team players remain doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League Matchday 15 trip to Aston Villa.

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Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta said final training-ground assessments would determine the squad for the early kick-off at Villa Park.

Pressed on specific players, Arteta admitted defender Mosquera faces the toughest race against time, while William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are expected to return “within days.”

The manager declined to give a definitive answer on Declan Rice’s availability, stressing that every hour in training is crucial before final decisions.

Facing Unai Emery’s Villa, who have emerged as one of the league’s in-form sides, Arteta acknowledged the challenge awaiting his squad.

“For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that,” he said.

He dismissed the notion that Emery’s past at Arsenal adds extra spice, insisting the Spanish coach “never needs anything extra.”

Arteta also reflected on squad depth as a significant advantage this season. “When you look at the bench and you can say, now we can change the game… last year we had two players really, so that’s a huge difference,” he said.

Emphasising focus amid a critical stage of the season, Arteta added: “Consistency, again, to perform at the highest level and win another game… that’s exactly how we have to take it every game. We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow… and be ready for it to fulfil our potential.”

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Arsenal will look to maintain momentum in the title race as they travel to Villa Park, with final squad confirmations expected after Friday’s training session.