Mikel Arteta addressed the media at the Fortuna Arena immediately after arriving in the Czech Republic, where the Arsenal manager paid a somber tribute to the late referee Jesús de Miguel. The incident during the Tenerife match resulted in the official’s tragic death, prompting Arteta to describe the event as “beyond words.” On behalf of the club, Arteta extended his deepest condolences to de Miguel’s family and the Tenerife organization, acknowledging the profound shock and difficulty the situation has caused across the football community.
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Shifting focus to squad availability, Arteta provided a significant update on center-back William Saliba, confirming that the French defender has fully recovered from his injury. The manager highlighted Saliba’s positive mindset and steady progression, noting that the player completed a 45-minute closed-door session last week without issue. Arteta stated that Saliba feels “ready to go,” though he stopped short of guaranteeing a starting role, indicating that final selection decisions remain contingent on tactical needs for the upcoming Champions League league-phase fixture.
The press conference also covered the tactical assessment of Slavia Prague, with Arteta emphasizing the danger posed by the Czech side despite their lower profile in European competition. By prioritizing respect for the opponent and addressing the emotional weight of the recent tragedy, Arteta set a tone of focus and unity for the squad. As Arsenal prepares to take on the Fortuna Arena, the manager’s comments underscore the club’s resilience and readiness to compete at the highest level while honoring the memory of a fellow professional.
Source: Arsenal.com
