Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• In terms of team news, Arteta says there is “no news” and “nobody new that can join the squad”.
• Asked if Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke will miss out on Saturday, he said: “I cannot confirm all of that, but you are not far.”
• The Spaniard says he hopes to be “in a really strong position” with “most of them” after the international break.
• Arteta explained that Gabriel Jesus is backing training with the team, adding: “Now is about making the steps day by day, in a different surrounding. Now he has competitive players around him, see how he copes with that. He is full of energy. I love the reaction of his team-mates.”
• On the omission of Myles Lewis-Skelly from the England squad, Arteta was asked if there is a need to protect or put an arm around the talented youngster: “Yes, for sure. We are here to support and to help each other and give a good perspective of the situation. So don’t look at the one moment of what is happening for you because maybe today it is happening for the right reason.”
• The Arsenal boss described Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka as “one of the best” summer signings. Discussing his former player, he added: “I loved every minute that we spent together. When he joined he was in a special moment in his life and his career. He made me a better coach, he helped us to develop as a football team and as a club, and I will be eternally grateful.”
• The Gunners are still due to play at Everton on 21 December in a Premier League fixture and host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup two days later, but Arteta said: “Hopefully not. I am super optimistic that this is not going to be the case.”
• Offering more on the fixture congestion, Arteta said: “From every angle – from the Premier League, from the EFL, from Uefa – all the time the only thing that we talk about is the welfare of the players and the supporters. If we want to maintain that principle that cannot be the case – we cannot play Sunday and Tuesday. So we have very positive talks to the clubs and to the Premier League, and hopefully we’ll find a way to help as much as possible.”
• Asked if his team are getting enough credit for their performances and position, Arteta responded: “It’s not about credit, it’s about doing it – and once you’ve done it, do it again. That’s what we have to do.”
• With Liverpool travelling to Manchester City this weekend, he discussed the opportunity to further Arsenal’s advantage, saying: “Every weekend is crucial. There are times for possible results, maybe they are a little more important. But you have to be consistent regardless if you want to achieve your goals.”
• On Declan Rice’s recent form, Arteta said: “He’s been super consistent and playing at a high level. We see him impact the game in various ways and this is exactly what we want. His role in the team is growing in a really natural way.”

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