Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice ahead of the new season, saying both players have made good progress following individual recovery programmes.
Arteta said the club had not identified any major fitness concerns with the England internationals, who were given personalised training plans during their rest period after national-team commitments.
“We haven’t noticed anything,” Arteta said. “They have individual plans from their time with the national team. They’ve been trying to evolve those issues and they have improved.”
He added that the pair had followed specific programmes during their break and had looked sharp in training over the past few days.
“What I saw the last two or three days, it was really good,” the Arsenal boss said.
The manager also addressed Ethan Nwaneri’s future, praising the youngster’s development and insisting that regular playing time would be central to any decision over his role this season.
Arteta said Nwaneri had demonstrated the talent, passion and desire required to compete at Arsenal’s level.
“I think he had some great games and he’s shown everybody that he has the ability to be here,” he said.
However, Arteta stressed that remaining at Arsenal would only make sense if the club could provide the teenager with sufficient opportunities.
“I want him to be at the club but something is in the middle, long term, what is best for the player as well?” Arteta said.
“Ethan needs to play football, and if he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes. Otherwise, it’s just something that is not good for anybody.”
Arteta also backed Martin Odegaard and Saka to make a stronger impact this season after both players experienced periods of inconsistency last campaign.
He believes their improved fitness and determination could provide Arsenal with an additional boost.
“I see something else,” Arteta said. “There is a big margin and a big gap there that I think the team is going to benefit from because I can see the desire in them.”
The Spaniard said Arsenal still had room to improve internally, particularly by raising the quality of individual performances.
“If we cannot do that for whatever reason, then we have to think about recruiting,” he added.
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Arteta also paid tribute to former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, describing him as one of the greatest coaches in football history.
Having worked alongside Guardiola for four years, Arteta said his former boss had transformed the Premier League and raised standards across English football.
“I think he’s the best coach in the history of football for many reasons,” Arteta said.
He added that Guardiola’s influence had forced rival teams and coaches to improve.
“He’s made all of us better,” Arteta said.
Arteta also expressed confidence in Enzo Maresca, who has taken over at Manchester City, saying the Italian possesses the character and tactical knowledge to succeed.
Arteta confirmed that 15-year-old Max Dowman would remain fully integrated into the first-team setup after completing pre-season with the squad.
However, the manager said playing opportunities would depend on performance.
“How much he’ll play is like anyone else, he needs to earn it. If he earns it, he will play; if somebody else earns it, he won’t play that much,” Arteta said.
He also explained that Myles Lewis-Skelly’s role would depend on squad dynamics, training performances and positional requirements.
With Arsenal preparing for the Community Shield and the Premier League campaign, Arteta said the team was in a strong position but still adapting.
“We’re in a really good place, doing some really good things, and we’re still adapting,” he said.