Dutch star set to return this weekend as Arteta hints at revival of form

The right-back was sidelined for the majority of last season due to a serious injury, but has now made a return to the pitch.

While he may be eased back into the team, Arteta confirmed he is ready. 

He told reporters: “Jurrien will be in the squad tomorrow (against Wolves). Obviously he had a really tough period but he used it in a great way I think because he’s managed to get a lot of things done and improved in many areas except playing. He found it really helpful I think and now he’s ready and he has a chance.” 

On whether they are ready for the new season, he added: “We are really excited. We’ve been missing the competition for many weeks, it’s too long for us. We are so willing to start and so enthusiastic about it. We had a really challenging pre-season but we have managed to adapt and it was a great challenge for everyone to adapt with different groups, different stadiums, different conditions. We took it as an opportunity and a good challenge and the team has looked really sharp.” 

On what it will take to win the league, he finished: “Break more of those records again and earn more points because it won’t be enough. With the level that we are competing with, every season is getting harder. We are going to have to improve again for sure.”