Mikel Arteta Fears Injury Crisis Could Undermine The Gunners' Trophy Hunt
Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.
Latest Squad News
Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.
There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.
"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."
Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.
Long-Term Absences
- Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel MagalhĂŁes are unlikely to be back until 2025.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.
Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.
Transfer Plans
Despite a major summer investment exceeding ÂŁ250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to enter the winter recruitment market.
"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."
Next Challenge
The team suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.
Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.
"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."
