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Richard Buxton·20 September 2024
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Richard Buxton·20 September 2024
Rounding up the best of what Premier League managers have to say ahead of the return to action this weekend.
That's it from today's press conferences, thanks for joining us!
Mikel Arteta spoke after Arsenal's draw with Atalanta, and those quotes have just been released now too.
The highlight is that there are no fresh injury concerns from the trip to Bergamo, and that the Gunners "need to see the development in the next week" on Martin Odegaard's injury.
🚨 Watkins available!
FPL and Villa fans relax, Unai Emery has confirmed that your star striker is "100%" ready for the weekend.
🗣️ "He’s available 100 per cent to play. He had some problems, like other players, but not relevant. He’s now available tomorrow 100 per cent to play."
📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON - AFP or licensors
Unai Emery is looking ahead to Aston Villa's showdown with Wolves and has not ruled out rotating his starting XI:
"It depends but we had last year a very good experience playing in the Conference League," he said.
"Of course, the Champions League is, at the beginning, more difficult. But the experience we had last year playing a lot of matches is good for this year and it depends on how the players are after each game.
"The idea is to be consistent with the idea we have with some plans with some players because they joined us this summer and are getting better, but understanding our tactical idea.
"Tomorrow I am playing those who will be better tactically, physically as well, and mentally to play."
The Spurs manager also confirms that they did look at former Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer window.
Postecoglou leaps to the defence of Dominic Solanke as the wait goes on for his first Tottenham goal.
Nuno Espírito Santo has offered an update on how Nottingham Forest's squad is shaping up ahead of Sunday's visit to Brighton:
"The same players are out. Willy Boly is really close to joining the group. Unfortunately Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo are out for a while."
On the other side of this weekend's huge clash, Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are in the best possible position to take on the defending champions:"We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season," said Arteta.
"Obviously, we knew the schedule and we knew that it’s extremely rare to play in these conditions with three massive away games in six days, but it was what it was so we have prepared for that, both physically, mentally and tactically.
"We’re making sure that everyone is ready for it because we’re going to need them, especially with the injuries that we had from the international break."
Guardiola also has his say on Rodri's recent comments about players potentially going on strike due to increased fixture congestion.
Kevin de Bruyne could be back in contention for Manchester City's clash with Arsenal on Sunday, Pep Guardiola confirms.
A gloomy update from Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou about Wilson Odobert's injury in midweek
Eddie Howe has revealed Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson for their trip to Fulham and could also lose Alexander Isak for the game in the capital.
Chelsea kick off the weekend's games with a London derby against West Ham and head coach Enzo Maresca has been outlining his attacking options.
Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool are sweating on goalkeeper Alisson ahead of Saturday's visit of Bournemouth, with Caoimhin Kelleher ready to step in for the Brazilian.
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