Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, addressed the media on Friday, December 12, 2025, discussing the team’s upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. For example, he refused to divulge the extent of injury to multiple prominent figures. This made the availability of these players very confusing for fans and analysts alike.
William Saliba, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Leandro Trossard all appeared as injury worries on the build up to the high stakes clash. Questions of fitness, match readiness, and impact started to loom over the game when Arteta decided to keep a clandestine vibe on their condition.
Arteta knew how important the players were. He did not provide specifics on how injured they are or a timetable for their return. The uncertainty surrounding Saliba’s fitness will particularly concern supporters, as he has been a vital part of the team’s defense throughout the season. Similarly, bringing Rice’s midfield influence and Timber’s defensive prowess on board is all about keeping Arsenal shiny and sharp at the top of the table.
Without Trossard, their options are more limited on the flanks. This compounds the team’s troubles as they prepare to face high-flying Wolves. Unfortunately for fans, there is no way of knowing if these players will be healthy enough to play. Adding to the drama is the importance of the bout for Arsenal’s title chase in the league table.
Arteta’s press briefing took place in the UK at 11:07 AM, and it focused primarily on tactical preparations for the upcoming fixture rather than personnel updates. His decision to withhold injury information could be a clever tactical ploy designed to keep Wolves second guessing about Arsenal’s starting XI.
As the match day approaches, supporters and pundits alike will be keenly observing any developments regarding the fitness of Saliba, Rice, Timber, and Trossard. Their inclusion would be a game-changer in every sense of the term.
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