Mikel Arteta has promised to keep playing mind games about Arsenal’s injured stars’ fitness with his rival managers.

Though Arteta said in the build-up the winger was “very uncertain” to appear, Bukayo Saka made a surprise start against Liverpool.

Mail Sport exposed over the weekend that Arteta’s constant cloak of silence is a tactic to get an advantage over his opponent; today, the Gunners boss has stated he will keep everyone wondering – even including his own players.

Arteta added, “I don’t want to make it easy for anyone.” Like I have to, the opponent needs to work, think, prepare, and ensure they complete their homework. Though I wish I knew their starting XI, who is on the bench, I do not. Guessing and completing the tasks we have to complete is our responsibility.

Though it has repercussions, I will tell you everything. I have to be extremely cautious since occasionally I can tell you a player is going to be few weeks but is a few months. Sometimes I’m not sure whether a player will be fit for two days or for the press conference.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has vowed to keep playing mind games with his opponents

Despite Arteta declaring he was “very uncertain” to contribute in the build-up to the blockbuster game at the Emirates Stadim, Bukayo Saka played and scored against Liverpool on Sunday.

I would never lie to you; when I know, I am not going to say “he’s not fit,” and I will keep you wondering whether I am sure or if I want to tell you. This is what I do. But equally crucial is everyone’s alertness to keep all my soldiers safe.

If you believe him, Arteta has received a triple injury boost ahead of a demanding run of four away games beginning at Preston in the League Cup before visits to Newcastle, Inter Milan in the Champions League, and Chelsea.

“We are still evaluating Gabriel; but, it does not look bad at all,” stated Arteta. He felt considerably better the next day, hence perhaps he will be okay. He has gone through some testing.

Jurrien is good. He had been out for some time and could not complete the game; he was rather weary, but there is no new injury whatsoever. He could not keep on, hence we decided to make a rather safe call. However, he was good.

Arteta is hoping Odegaard will get back in action before the global pause. “He has been on the grass for a few weeks; still, there are a few boxes to cross,” he said. Once we have players around him and he starts competing with the squad, we will have to answer the question: “How fast we can do that last stage of the rehab?” Not yet has he done it.

Bad news for Riccardo Calafiori, who appears set to be sidelined for “a few weeks” following a knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk, was also delivered.

Meanwhile, Arteta is thinking about giving rookie goalkeeper Tommy Setford a debut at Deepdale on Wednesday night.

Joined in the summer only to miss most of the season with a hip injury, the Ajax academy product is brother Charlie’s Dutch side teammate whose father Chris is a professional golfer.

Arteta claims that Jurrien Timber is ‘fine’ despite appearing to suffer cramp against Liverpool

Riccardo Calafiori is due to be out for ‘a few weeks’ after his Shakhtar Donetsk knee injury

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If he were to play, it will be the second round in a row Arteta has selected a young ‘keeper after Jack Porter started against Bolton in their last game.

Arteta added, “We brought Tommy because we know he has the traits we’re seeking for with our goalkeeping department. He hasn’t actually played since he unfortunately suffered injuries.

It’s not a matter of age; rather, it’s a matter of their playing since they deserve the same as other players. At the end of the day we have to reward the people who, each day, they behave in a certain manner and they have the level to play in the manner we want to play in and if that is the case, I don’t care if they are players from the academy, youth players or seniors, they will play.

We have to build that [new generation of goalkeepers]. Although we threw Jack far sooner than we intended, it turned out to be a lovely day even though it was not perfect. You want to create something long term brick by brick and follow the correct procedures to be truly strong to play at the level we desire. We want to do just that. Though it takes some time, right now we have some great promise.