On the fitness of Saka and Rice, Arteta said: “It doesn’t look good, because for two players of that importance to tell you they cannot continue in the game, obviously it’s not good news.”
Asked to clarify whether or not that meant the pair could link up with England for the games against Greece and Ireland, Arteta added: “Well, two players that just came off, I don’t know whether to expect them to be fit because if they are they don’t come off.”
But Arteta admitted the fitness of his team was his main concern at this point of the season.
“We had a very clear intention of how we were going to evolve the team and what we could do as a team. And that was about making the pieces in the car much better, much more efficient, more predictable. What we find out is that every day we have to change something big. The engine, the wheels, the steering wheel, because we have problem after problem.
“But the way the team adapts, normally the team goes down. And this team has an unbelievable energy and spirit and courage to play the way we want to play. So I’m very proud of them.
“Now my biggest fear is physically to get everybody at their best, because we have players out there that cannot play more than 60 minutes. They are playing and struggling. And we have to change a lot of things and face a lot of things. So what I want on the international break is that we are fully fit and we have the squad equipped. If we get that, I’m fully confident that we’re going to have a great season.”
‘Show your teeth’: Arteta calls on players to dig in after draw
Following successive defeats against Newcastle United and Inter Milan, in the Champions League, Arteta was pleased that his team showed character against Chelsea – even if they did not manage to win.
“When it gets nasty, show your teeth and show how much you want it,” said Arteta. “When it’s Disneyland it’s very easy. Everybody’s next to you, telling you how beautiful you are. When it gets dark and difficult and everybody’s questioning it, that’s when I want to see people. I’m looking around. Who is going to step in that box? Yes or no?”
Maresca admitted he did not know whether Palmer, who was limping after the final whistle, would be able to report for England duty. On his fitness, the Italian said: “For sure, he was a doubt until the end. He is in pain now, but it doesn’t look like something important.”