Arteta reveals why Reiss and Merino get such little playing time at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up about Declan Rice and Mikel Merino and the speculation surrounding their playing time at the club.

Declan Rice Has seen his game time decrease over the past month and since the draw Fulham In December, the midfielder regularly took himself off the field, leaving many fans scratching their heads that he could not complete 90 minutes as he has in all but seven of Arsenals opening 20 games in the Premier League and Champions League.

Speaking in his last press conference, the Spanish head coach was adamant that the decisions are not due to him losing his place in the side, but so he can maintain his fitness and stay away from any shock or injuries.

“In his case especially, he plays so much football,” he said. “We have nine games in this period this month and he has had some niggles in the last few games. He had to go and we have to manage every player and there are no exceptions.”

On Merino, Arteta Was asked about why he has started just 10 games in all competitions but again he explained it purely to fitness and the midfielder getting up to scratch with English football after picking up a few knocks in recent months.

“We expected a very quick integration because he has played in the league, he is such an intelligent and experienced player and he fits in very well,” the Arsenal boss said when asked about Merino’s status.

“He had an injury and a bit of a niggle and he had no pre-season because he also played for Spain and it just took him a while to start settling in, but now you can see the impact he has in the team. intelligence and the goal threat that he offers to the team.

“Then, more and more will come because he’s also a natural leader. As he grows into the role, I think we’ll see a lot more of him.”