Arsenal Update: Mikel Arteta Issues Specific Timeframe For Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli Return

Amid Arsenal’s poor English Premier League run this season, Mikel Arteta provides hope by assuring that two of his key players will be back in the squad soon.

Injuries played a huge part in Arsenal’s struggle this season, with Aubameyang and Martinelli both still out. The Gabonese striker has missed the last two matches against Everton and Manchester City due to a calf injury. Martinelli, on the other hand, made his first start for the Gunners in nine months during the loss to Man City only to be withdrawn early into the second half after incurring a shin injury due to a clash with Zack Steffen.

Addressing the pair’s current condition, Arteta revealed a possible return date for Aubameyang and Martinelli. According to the Gunners boss, both key Arsenal players are responding well during rehabilitation and left the doors open for their possible return on Saturday against Chelsea.

"We have to see in the next 48 hours how they evolve,” Arteta recently told reporters of Aubameyang and Martinelli. “I'm sure that they both are going to be very keen to come and help the team. But we will see if they are available to come and do that or not."

"Auba [Aubameyang] is working hard with our medical team in order to regain full fitness as soon as possible,” the manager revealed. “Has now joined outside drills and will continue to be assessed regarding availability ahead of Saturday."

“Gabi [Martinelli] is recovering well and we hope he will be able to participate in full training ahead of Saturday," he added.

Arsenal is heading into the Chelsea derby coming off back-to-back losses. After the humiliating 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat to the Citizens, Arteta assured the media that he still sees his players’ determination to win.

“I focus on the fighters that we have,” Arteta said in a post-game conference. “The spirit that we showed tonight going against a really difficult opponent and conceding the goals that we did. Still we tried. I see a lot of fighters.”

The Spaniard is also well aware that they need to force the issue in the next several games with his team trailing in the Premier League standings. Arsenal is currently at the 15th spot and still has crucial matches against Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom.

“We have to turn it around,” the 38-year-old admitted. “If we don’t then we are in big trouble. That is the moment that is going to decide our season.”