Arsenal is facing a significant injury crisis ahead of their upcoming matches, with several key players unavailable. Manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with the impact of these injuries during a hectic period that includes Premier League and Champions League fixtures. Arsenal is set to face Manchester City on February 2, but the potential absence of players like Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus could heavily influence their performance.
Martin Odegaard, surprisingly absent in the match against Wolves despite traveling with the squad, fell ill shortly before the game. Arteta is carefully managing his recovery, prioritizing his fitness for the Manchester City match. Odegaard may miss the Champions League game against Girona to ensure he is ready for February 2.
Mikel Merino also missed the Wolves game due to a minor training injury. Although the issue isn’t serious, the medical team opted to rest him. Merino is expected to return for the Manchester City game, which would be a significant boost for the team.
Ben White has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery in November. While his recovery is progressing, no definitive return date has been given, though he might rejoin training in February 2025, potentially bolstering Arsenal’s defense.
Bukayo Saka, a vital player for Arsenal, underwent hamstring surgery following an injury in December. This marks the first major injury of his career, and his return is not expected until March 2025. His absence is a significant blow to the team.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has endured an injury-plagued season, managing only six minutes of Premier League action so far. While reports suggest he is nearing a return, Arsenal has yet to confirm his availability.
Gabriel Jesus faces the most severe setback, having suffered an ACL injury during an FA Cup match. After surgery, he is ruled out for the rest of the season, with his earliest possible return being the 2025/26 campaign. His absence leaves a significant gap in Arsenal’s attack.
These injuries are testing the depth of Arsenal’s squad. Arteta may need to rely on younger players and rotate the squad to manage the busy schedule. The match against Manchester City poses a major challenge, particularly given Arsenal’s extensive injury list. Manchester City is also dealing with injury concerns, but Arsenal’s situation appears more severe due to the number of key players involved.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal remains focused on competing in both the Premier League and Champions League. The medical team and coaching staff are working to ensure players recover as quickly and safely as possible. Fans are hopeful that Odegaard, Merino, White, Saka, and Tomiyasu can return soon to strengthen the team, though Jesus’s absence will be felt throughout the season.
The upcoming weeks will test Arsenal’s resilience and squad depth. As they navigate this challenging period, Arteta and his team will aim to keep the club competitive and maintain their pursuit of success. Injuries may be an obstacle, but Arsenal is determined to push forward and make the most of their season.