Mikel Arteta demands Premier League rule change after Arsenal suffer double injury blow

Arsenal have encountered numerous challenges this season and will now have to face Sheffield United without Gabriel Jesus, who sustained a hamstring injury against Sevilla. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, provided an update on the team’s news ahead of the upcoming clash. Arteta believes that increasing Premier League squad sizes would be beneficial for his unbeaten Arsenal side as they aim to extend their impressive start to the season. Out of their nine matches this campaign, Arsenal have emerged victorious in six, including a notable win against Seville in the Champions League. However, the win against Seville came at a cost, with Gabriel Jesus picking up a hamstring injury, while Thomas Partey suffered another setback that could keep him out of action for more than a month. Summer signing Jurrien Timber is still unavailable due to knee surgery, and Arteta has also had to manage the absences of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard at different stages of the season. Arteta, who has previously criticized the football calendar, believes that increasing squad sizes beyond the current limit of 25 could be a solution. He stated, “If we have more games, more competitiveness, and higher physical standards, we need to expand the squads or allow 10 substitutions instead of five.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and availability if the calendar extends. Arteta expressed concern about the ongoing issues surrounding player management and stated, “We will need more players. The battery lasts so long, and we will burn them. We have to adapt.” When asked about recent criticism of Martin Odegaard’s performances, Arteta defended his captain, stating, “He’s an incredible player and he’s doing so much for us. We expect him to step up all the time, just like with the other players.” He highlighted Odegaard’s role as the team’s captain and emphasized the challenge of sustaining his performance level.

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Michael Johnson

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