Mikel Arteta's Wolves presser: how Arsenal defend their spot at the top of the premier league table
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held a pre-match news conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League trip to Wolves (Wednesday, ET), offering a detailed fitness update and fresh perspective on the title race. With the side sitting top of the premier league table and a busy schedule looming, Arteta emphasised preparation, squad depth and a recent string of warmup injuries that have prompted fresh internal review.
Team news: fitness improving but some absences remain
Arteta confirmed some welcome returns while tempering expectations for others. Riccardo Calafiori is "fine" and trained with the group on Tuesday, putting him in contention for selection at Molineux. Ben White was withdrawn late in the FA Cup game because of fatigue and a tight hamstring, but the manager said he is fine and trained ahead of the Wolves match.
Martin Ødegaard will not be fit for Wednesday's game, though Arteta said he is hopeful the captain can be available for the weekend fixture (Sunday, ET). Kai Havertz is also a possibility for the squad this weekend. The manager underlined that the rapid turnaround — a midweek fixture followed by another match on Sunday — leaves little time to reset but highlights the benefit of squad players getting minutes across competitions.
Warmup routines under review after repeated pre-match issues
Arteta disclosed that a cluster of fitness scares in warmups has prompted the club to reassess its pre-match procedures. He pointed to several recent incidents where players felt issues just before kick-off and described the situation as "very unusual" given the rarity of such occurrences over his tenure.
The manager explained that warmups sometimes serve as a final test to determine readiness, and changing that routine is complex because it conditions the body for the game. Still, he admitted the frequency of these late problems has made him "more aware" in the build-up to matches and that the coaching staff are exploring alternatives — including what might happen if the traditional pre-match routine is modified or scrapped entirely.
Arteta warned that last-minute substitutions force tactical adjustments with only minutes to prepare, increasing the coaching challenge. He framed the review as a necessary learning exercise to protect players and preserve game plans in an intense fixture run.
Title race mindset and the challenge at Molineux
On the title chase, Arteta described his confidence as rooted in daily work rather than expectation. "What gives me the confidence is what we have done up to now, every single day, " he said, pointing to consistent preparation and the squad's response to adversity. He stressed the need to focus on present tasks: perform at Molineux and earn three points.
The squad currently sit top of the premier league table by a narrow margin, and a positive result on Wednesday could extend that gap significantly. Arteta acknowledged the psychological and tactical tests Wolves will pose, noting their recent struggles but warning that matches against them have been physically and tactically demanding. He praised the opposition manager's work in difficult circumstances and said victory will require Arsenal to execute their game plan with purpose and confidence.
Beyond immediate team news, the club also confirmed a new long-term contract for one of its key forwards, signalling intent to maintain stability as the season reaches a decisive phase. With home and away fixtures coming thick and fast, Arteta reiterated the importance of depth, adaptability and the daily habits that have placed his squad in title contention.
Kick-off at Molineux is set for Wednesday (ET). The manager insisted the team will treat it as a tough test and one more match in which preparation will determine the outcome.
