Arsenal boss admits North London derby looks shaky

Mikel Arteta admits North London derby could be called off

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he has doubts over whether this weekend’s North London derby will go on as Arsenal are worryingly short on available first-team players.

With both Bukayo Saka and Cedric being substituted in Arsenal’s 0-0 EFL Cup first-leg semi-final tie against Liverpool, the Gunners might be down to 12 available outfield players. In order for a match to take place, clubs must be able to field at least 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper, according to Premier League rules.

“It is a possibility in every game,” Arteta said after the match. “From our side, from the opponents’ side, because of the amount of issues everyone is having, and because it is happening every week.

“We try to prepare games thinking we are going to play. If something happens along the way, it is what it is.”

Despite their small squad size and Granit Xhaka’s dismissal just 24 minutes into the game, Arsenal managed to hold on for a scoreless draw.

“We revel against the situation,” Arteta said. “The players showed great fight, determination, brotherhood. You saw the emotion, we never gave up. Credit to the boys.

‘When you come to a stadium like this, I said to them you have to pick players who are happy to go to war with, going to fight,’ Arteta explained. ‘You are going to have difficult moments when you suffer. It is about how you approach those moments.

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