Arteta says Christos Tzolis will be out for several weeks

“He is going to be out for a few weeks,” Mikel Arteta said of Christos Tzolis. The coach confirmed on Friday that the forward had sustained a muscular injury with Greece during the international break. “He has a muscular injury and will be out, I think, for a few weeks,” he said regretfully.

Arteta also gave an update on Declan Rice, who has been carrying some discomfort since returning from the World Cup. The coach nevertheless hopes the midfielder will be available for the match.

Asked as well about the Manchester City case, in which the club was found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules, Arteta noted that the process remained subject to appeal. The Arsenal coach said: “My position, and I think the club’s, is not to make any more comments until it is fully resolved,” adding that the timetable of the proceedings should be respected.

The announcement comes as Arteta has also expressed satisfaction at extending his contract until 2030, saying he felt “extremely honoured” to continue his project in London.