Mikel Arteta has given Arsenal fans cause for concern over both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thomas Partey, contradicting previous positivity around the pair’s availability…
The club’s official update yesterday failed to name either of the above, which came as a huge relief for worried fans, but the manager has now dashed that positivity in his pre-match press conference.
PEA was seen to be stretchered off after the first of Gabon’s two international fixtures during the break, while the striker returned to north London without playing the second fixture. It was later claimed that his return was pre-planned, with his country no longer able to qualify for after Egypt sealed top spot with a match to spare.
Arteta has also moved to play down Partey’s potential inclusion, while there had been strong reports of positivity regarding his participation from a number of sources in recent days.
“No it wasn’t pre-planned [for Auba to fly home early], we have to assess him and see how he is and make a decision,” the manager said (as quoted at Arsenal.com).
“We have a lot players who have been through some different games, issues, little injuries, so today we have to test everybody and see how we are to play tomorrow.
“Same again [for Partey], he could not play for the national team, he really tried to do that because they had a massive game and he really pushed for that one, but he wasn’t close enough to do that.
“Again, it’s something we have to assess today.”
I hope that he is simply keeping Jurgen Klopp and his team out of the loop with his team news, and that he is being overly negative about their involvement, but I can’t help but feel a sense of worry now.
It seems that Empire of the Kop believes that Liverpool have their own injury issues to deal with at present, and didn’t put much onus on the potential positive update we believed we received yesterday, with a number of their players currently doubts for the clash.
Either of Auba or Partey would be a big blow to our chances of finding a victory at Anfield, while losing both could seal things before a ball is even kicked.
Do you think Arteta could be playing some mind games with his comments, or do we have to take his words with utter seriousness?
Patrick
Very few teams have their first 11 available, it will be a good test of our progress and squad readiness.
I do not personally think MA is one to play mind games as Fergie and Wenger so often did. Sadly, I therefore think both Auba and Partey are genuinely doubtful. I just do not see mind games as being in the character of MA.
I think him too upfront – even though some may call it naivety – in character.
IMO, it is just NOT how he works or acts.
Honesty is ultimately always respected, while mind games generally become regarded in time as being a devious character, even though that is not necessarily MY view about mind games, personally.
There are many shades of grey in this debate, as wiser fans will easily understand.
Those who read my many posts will know that I ALWAYS prefer total honesty and I consider constant and obvious mind games as more harmful than helpful, in the long term. I stress the words CONSTANT and OBVIOUS!
AND I STRESS ALL THE ABOVE IS MERELY MY PERSONAL OPINION
I want to see Lacazette playing tomorrow and, if Aubameyang is injured, the likelihood of that happening would increase.
If Partey is injured, the AMN should continue to play in that position – for me, he wasn’t the MOTM last time out.
As long as we go out and give 100% it’s anybody’s game – anything less and we will lose… it’s as simple as that.
AMN was the MOTM.. bl***y phone!!!! /
I think it’s all smoke and mirrors Ken but if they are out I agree with what you’ve said.