Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken of his need to manage the Gunners players’ game time during the busy festive period.
The Arsenal boss, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League meeting with Wolves, admits his players are “disappointed” when they miss out.
Arsenal have eight games this month, starting with Saturday’s 3pm kickoff and finishing with the trip to Fulham on New Year’s Eve.
As is the case with every team in the Premier League and the EFL, the Gunners squad will likely be stretched to the limit during the festive period.
Arteta and Edu have worked hard to bolster the Arsenal strength in depth, so the Gunners boss feels the squad is ready for a hectic December.
Arteta was asked – as transcribed by football.london – how challenging it is to play three games a week.
“That’s the beauty of it though,” replied the Arsenal boss. “We wanted to be in that position and we are playing big games every three days and the squad is ready.
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“Players are hungry to play every game, they are disappointed when we have to rest them to manage minutes. That’s a really good sign.”
Arsenal set for busy festive period as December brings forth eight fixtures
It’s a really good sign indeed. Not only do Arsenal have good strength in depth, but the players’ attitude is such that they’ll be gutted to miss out even if it’s for their own good.
With so many games coming up, it’s crucial that the Gunners boss manages his players’ game time appropriately, to ensure the squad can remain fully functioning throughout the festive period.
Arsenal get their December under way with Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
Next week then sees the Gunners head to Luton on Tuesday night before taking on Aston Villa in Birmingham on Saturday evening.
Arsenal wrap up their Champions League group stage campaign with a trip to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday 12 December before hosting Brighton in the league on Sunday.
Liverpool then await the Gunners at Anfield on Saturday 23 December, and after Christmas, Arsenal host West Ham on Thursday 28 December before heading to Fulham on Sunday 31 December.