Mikel Arteta Reacts To Enzo Maresca’s Exit From Chelsea, Provides Arsenal Injury Update

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered warm words for Enzo Maresca following the Italian’s departure from Chelsea.

Speaking after Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s exit on January 1, Mikel Arteta praised the work done by his fellow coach during a demanding spell at Stamford Bridge.

“I wish him all the season,” Arteta said.

“I really like Enzo as a person and professional.

“He did a terrific job at Chelsea, that’s the decision that has been made. I wish him all the best.”

Maresca leaves Chelsea having guided the club to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success last season.

However, the current campaign has proved far more challenging, with the Blues struggling for consistency and sitting 15 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Attention now turns to Arsenal’s own league ambitions, with Arteta also addressing fitness concerns ahead of the weekend visit to the Vitality Stadium.

The Spaniard confirmed that the club is still assessing the condition of Declan Rice, who missed the emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa due to a knee issue.

“We have another session today, let’s see how he comes through it and how that’s feeling,” Arteta said.

While Rice remains a doubt, Arteta ruled out Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori for the trip.

There was, however, some positive news as Ben White returned to action against Villa, with Kai Havertz also back in the matchday squad after being named on the bench.

Arsenal are scheduled to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3.