Reina Amongst Liverpool Players Thanked By Arteta

MIkel Arteta has sent a thank you to the Liverpool and Arsenal football clubs for assisting him when he was injured on Saturday at Anfield, with the midfielder thanking Reds players including Pepe Reina for giving him personal well wishes.

Arteta was carried off the ground in the 53rd minute, after receiving a blow to the jaw in a clash with Jordan Henderson. The Spaniard was taken straight to hospital, and Wenger is hopeful that he will be back to face Newcastle next week.

But even though the star has been concentrating on working hard to recover, he took time out to thank those at Liverpool and Arsenal who helped him on the day.

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me on Saturday," he said in a letter released by Liverpool.

"After my accident on the pitch, the Arsenal medical staff did a great job, together with everyone at Liverpool Football Club. From Anfield, I was taken straight to the Aintree University Hospital, where they checked me, just as precaution.

"Everything was fine and I was able to travel from the hospital and join up with my teammates for the train journey back to London.

"I also want to thank Pepe Reina and the Liverpool players who have sent me messages of support and friendship, this again is really touching and just shows class from a great football club.

"And very importantly, a message to all the fantastic Arsenal fans, not only all those at Anfield on Saturday who were brilliant, but also those who have sent me many messages since Saturday. It is hugely appreciated. I cannot tell you how much this means to me."

Arsenal are hoping to keep up their winning momentum after coming back from 1-0 down to defeat Liverpool 2-1 at the weekend; the north London side are now a game clear of fifth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table, and can shore up Champions League qualification for next season if they continue to outperform the likes of the Blues and the Reds.