Arsenal’s injury concerns have intensified as another key player joins Bukayo Saka on the sidelines, deepening the club’s woes during a critical period.
The team, already grappling with an ongoing injury crisis, faces yet another setback that could significantly impact their Premier League campaign.
Bukayo Saka’s absence has already been a major blow. The winger, who has contributed five goals and ten assists this season, sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The incident occurred in the first half without any opposing player near him, forcing an immediate substitution.
Manager Mikel Arteta later confirmed the severity of Saka’s injury, stating he would be sidelined for “many weeks,” potentially missing the festive season and beyond.
The Gunners are now exploring alternatives to fill Saka’s void. Options include Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, with Kai Havertz also being considered. Arteta emphasized the need for adaptability within the squad as they navigate this challenging period.
Compounding Arsenal’s problems, loanee forward Raheem Sterling has also been ruled out for several weeks due to a knee injury. Sterling, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea during the summer, has struggled to find consistent playing time in North London.
With Saka unavailable, Sterling’s presence could have been crucial, but he was notably absent from the squad against Crystal Palace. Arteta confirmed Sterling’s injury, adding that further tests would determine its full extent.
Arsenal’s injury list now includes several key players, such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White, alongside Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori, who have all missed matches recently. This wave of injuries threatens to derail Arsenal’s title ambitions and highlights the team’s vulnerability during this crucial phase of the season.
As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal may need to look for reinforcements to bolster their squad. With Saka and Sterling both expected to be out until February and other players facing uncertain return dates, the club faces mounting pressure to maintain their competitiveness. Despite these challenges, Arteta remains determined to find solutions and keep Arsenal’s campaign on track.
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