Arsenal have been hit with a significant squad crisis ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Manchester United. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that five of his key players will be unavailable for the trip to Old Trafford. This comes at a crucial stage of the season when the Gunners are desperately fighting to stay in the Premier League title race.
The loss of these vital players presents a massive challenge for Arsenal, potentially tilting the advantage in United’s favor. Erik ten Hag’s side will be eager to exploit their opponent’s misfortunes and secure a crucial victory. With Arsenal already struggling to maintain momentum, this latest setback could further derail their championship ambitions.
One of the biggest blows is the absence of Kai Havertz, who has been ruled out due to a torn hamstring. The German midfielder recently underwent surgery, and his recovery timeline suggests he will not be available until the summer of 2025. His absence leaves a significant gap in Arsenal’s midfield creativity and goal contributions.
Gabriel Martinelli is also set to miss the match after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final. However, there is some optimism surrounding his return, as reports indicate he could be fit by the end of March. Arsenal fans will be hoping for a swift recovery to help bolster the team’s attacking options.
Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s most influential players, remains sidelined with a hamstring problem that has kept him out of action since December. Although he is making progress in his recovery, he is still unavailable for selection. The club expects him to return around the end of March, which means he will miss this crucial fixture against United.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has also been plagued by persistent injuries throughout the season. Arteta confirmed that the Japanese defender remains without a clear return date, making his situation uncertain. His absence weakens Arsenal’s defensive options, especially against a United side eager to exploit any gaps.
Another major setback for the Gunners is the loss of Gabriel Jesus, who suffered an ACL injury during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. The Brazilian striker has already undergone surgery, but his rehabilitation process means he is unlikely to return before the summer of 2025. His absence leaves Arsenal short of attacking firepower in a crucial period of the campaign.
With so many key players missing, Arteta faces a difficult challenge in reshuffling his squad to compete at Old Trafford. Arsenal’s title hopes are hanging in the balance, and the question remains—can they cope with these setbacks and pull off a crucial result against Manchester United?
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