Arteta Fears Injury Crisis Could Hinder The Gunners' Silverware Hunt
Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.
Fresh Team News
Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.
There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.
"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."
Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.
Long-Term Absentees
- Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.
Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.
Transfer Strategy
Even after a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to dip into the January transfer market.
"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."
Looking Ahead
The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.
Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would all but secure a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.
"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."
