Arteta gives positive injury update on Saka but Arsenal face Thomas Partey wait

Mikel Arteta has addressed the latest Arsenal team news ahead of the trip to Everton including the latest on Bukayo Saka

Arsenal face Everton in the Premier League this weekend as domestic football returns after the international break. Mikel Arteta has faced the press ahead of the trip to Merseyside to provide the latest on his squad.

Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey have been ruled out for the long and medium term respectively and are not expected to be part of the group. Mohamed Elneny meanwhile has been pictured in training and told football.london after the clash with Manchester United that he would be, “Back soon.”

There had also been reports suggesting that Bukayo Saka had been nursing an Achilles issue which the club were monitoring. The England international featured in both matches for Gareth Southgate and came on as a second-half substitute against Scotland.

When asked for the latest on the player's return from the international break Arteta said: "They're all good they came back well. They all trained today so they're in a good place."

On Thomas Partey he said: "He's still a few weeks away. It's a muscle injury and he's progressing well." Saka's suggested Achilles issue though was not something Arteta had much to comment on although did not rule out an ongoing issue that is being monitored.

"He's fine, he trained normally today. There's nothing to report" the Spaniard said. He added: "Every player has pains or issues. But [there is] nothing to worry about."

Arteta has some difficult choices to make in the coming weeks as both the Champions League and Carabao Cup both get underway. Rotating his squad and managing evolving injury situations is of course a key component.