“The position we are in is a privilege” – Arteta confident as Arsenal prepare for Wolves test | OneFootball

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a tricky trip to Molineux Stadium, and manager Mikel Arteta insists his side are embracing both the challenge and the position they currently find themselves in.

Still competing on multiple fronts and firmly in the title conversation, the Gunners face Wolverhampton Wanderers just days after progressing in the FA Cup, with Arteta keen to stress that momentum and mentality are as important as fitness at this stage of the season.

Arteta began by offering clarity on several fitness concerns following the weekend. Riccardo Calafiori, who was forced off during the warm-up, has recovered well, with the Arsenal boss confirming: “He’s fine. He was training with us today, he’s feeling better, and hopefully he’s fit for tomorrow.”

There was also reassurance regarding Ben White, who came off late on, with Arteta explaining it was “just a bit of fatigue” and that the defender is fine.

The main absentee remains Martin Ødegaard, who will miss the Wolves clash but could return soon. “For Wolves, he’s not going to be fit, but for Sunday, we are very hopeful that he can be with us,” Arteta said, before adding that Kai Havertz is “a possibility” to return to the squad this weekend.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arteta rejected the idea of any meaningful reset but highlighted how much he liked the response in the FA Cup win over Wigan.

“Very little time to reset because we’re going to play a game tomorrow and then on Sunday again,” he said. “But it’s really good because that means that we are in every competition in a really strong position.”

That sense of perspective has been a consistent theme this season. Arteta was keen to underline that Arsenal’s current standing should be enjoyed, not feared. “The position that we are in is a privilege, and we take it because we have earned it,” he said. “For seven and a half months, it’s a long time to do the right things every single day and perform at the level that we are performing today.”

Crucially, he added: “The team are in a really good emotional state and really looking forward to playing tomorrow.”

Despite the optimism, Arteta is under no illusions about the task ahead. Arsenal have been tested by Wolves in recent seasons, and he knows what to expect from a side he describes as well-drilled and resilient. “Our recent past with them showed how tough it was to actually win the three points,” he said. “So it’s going to be a tough test.”

Still, confidence is growing as the title race intensifies. Asked what gives him the belief Arsenal can go all the way, Arteta was clear. “They have given me the confidence through what they do every single day,” he explained. “I don’t get confidence from what I imagine. It’s from what I see – the preparation and how much the players want it.”

One of the standout talking points from the weekend was Bukayo Saka’s performance in a more central role against Wigan, shortly before committing his future to the club. Arteta praised the winger’s adaptability, saying: “Bukayo adapted incredibly well and now we have issues with midfielders, so players are stepping in.”

He also revealed that Saka thrives on being challenged. “Everything that brings a challenge to him, where he needs to prove something, I think it triggers something positive in him.”

That competitive edge is mirrored in his relationship with Noni Madueke, with Arteta lifting the lid on their dynamic. “They were in the gym testing each other, and everybody was trying to compete,” he said. “Those two were hilarious, as usual. It’s great to witness their relationship.”

Arteta believes that chemistry off the pitch only elevates performance on it. “They enjoy each other’s company, and I think they make each other better.”

With Arsenal still alive in every competition and showing resilience through injuries and schedule congestion, Arteta’s message was clear: keep winning and everything else will follow. “That’s what we’re going to do,” he said. “The more games we win in the next few weeks, the better position we’ll be in.”

For a side chasing history, belief is being built not through talk, but through what is seen every day on the training ground.