Mikel Arteta responded to Graeme Souness' comments about Bukayo Saka before Arsenal's Champions League game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday 21 October, and said Martin Zubimendi would be involved.
Arteta's response on Saka comments
Speaking at the press conference, as reported by Football London, Arteta said of Souness' comments: "I haven't heard it and I'm not going to make any comments about opinions."
When pushed further on whether such accusations could influence referees against his winger, Arteta said: "I don't know. We are open to opinions. It's part of our job. It's part of our roles. And those opinions have to be respected. Especially if they are done in a respectful way. And we are here to prove that we belong to this level, to this stage, and we certainly always have the intention and the ambition to improve and do better. That's it."
Zubimendi available for Bayern game
Football London reported that Arteta said Zubimendi was back with the squad and would be involved on Wednesday 21 October. The manager said: "Yes, he's back with us. He will be involved tomorrow."
Arteta on Kompany
He expressed his admiration for his counterpart and said he hoped Kompany would get better soon, adding: "I hope that he's there tomorrow because his presence will be very good for the game. Huge admirer of him."
Champions League positions
Arsenal head into the Bayern match with two wins in the Champions League, against Napoli and Lille. Bayern have 4 points from a victory over Bodo/Glimt and a draw with Viking.