Arteta reveals he PLAYED in Arsenal's training matches amid low squad numbers

Mikel Arteta has unveiled that he took part in several of Arsenal's training games this week ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton.

The north London outfit are set to re-start their league campaign at Goodison Park earlier today, after having claimed three wins from four this season with the side currently sitting fifth in the table five points behind Manchester City at the top.

While the 41-year-old delivered some positive news over the fitness of Bukayo Saka last week, the squad have suffered several injury blows already this season, with Mohamed Elneny, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey all currently sidelined.

With several key players absent, Arteta admitted to Sky Sports that his squad had a few less numbers this week and confirmed that he had to step in to take part in training matches this week as cover.

When asked about playing the Gunners boss said: 'Well it was forced! It was nothing that I wanted to do, but yeah, we had one or two players and some academy players that could not join.'

The Spaniard, who returned 16 goals across 150 appearances in all competitions while playing for Arsenal, hung up his boots back in 2016 to pursue a career in management.

But it seems the former Spain international enjoyed his return to the playing field,  said: 'It was good - it was a good work out. I lost some weight and I didn't get injured.'

He was also asked whether he injured any one, with Arteta immediately replying 'No!' before admitting that he wasn't taking any prisoners with his team, claiming he did do a few slide tackles.

'I did a few yes but I didn't get anybody injured,' he added.

It comes after the manager had this summer vowed to build a winning side after last season's title slump, but had also, according