Every word Mikel Arteta said on Saka fitness, Tomiyasu Arsenal injury and Erik ten Hag comments

What’s the team news, there was no Tomi and Saka was heavily strapped?

A few doubts that tomorrow we can resolve with another training session. So we’ll have to see.

A few doubts over?

A few doubts over the names that you discussed yes.

How important is Jorginho?

I think there is no question about his contribution to the team. The way he feels about his teammates, about the club, the way we play. He’s somebody that makes everybody else better. He’s still hungry, he still wants to win with us, he’s happy here, his family are happy here, so it’s a really easy decision.

Is there part of him that reminds you of yourself?

He’s a very important player for all coaches I think because his game understanding and the way he communicates and coaches people is excellent. You need those types of players. On top of that as a model it’s very difficult to find someone better than him. When he needs to be at it and serious, he does it, and when he needs to be fun and relaxed in the atmosphere he’s one of the best as well. It’s a good combination.

If someone said you could be in the title race with two games to go at the start of the season, would you have taken it?

I would take that pen and sign it.

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Is there frustration if it doesn’t work out, or belief and joy at the good parts?

My brain tells me when talking to the players that we are lifting the Premier League. That’s what my brain is doing at the moment and I want to follow my brain and my gut. This is the way I want everybody to think as well. Hopefully we can achieve it.

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