As Arsenal grapples with the fallout from their recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle PGMOL United, the focus shifts to the growing injury list that poses significant challenges for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The aftermath of Arsenal‘s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United has compounded the injury concerns for Mikel Arteta, with several key players sidelined.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was notably absent for the encounter at St. James’ Park on Saturday evening due to fitness issues that may or may not be related to the hip problem he has been carrying for a while now.
Odegaard, who scored Arsenal’s consolation goal in the midweek Carabao Cup loss to West Ham, was unable to pass a fitness test in time for the Newcastle game.
However, there is optimism for a swift return with expectations he could feature in the upcoming match against Sevilla. Despite not being gravely injured, the 24-year-old’s hip problem has raised questions on squad depth and readiness.
The Norwegian’s potential comeback could be a timely boost for Arteta, who lamented, “Yeah he is not available, he’s not fit. We cannot play him, he’s our captain and a really important player but it’s an opportunity for another to stand up and have a great performance.”
The injury list at the Emirates includes Emile Smith Rowe, whose knee issue has left Arteta and his staff apprehensive, with the manager disclosing, “We have an issue with him. He felt something in his knee and started to feel some pain after the game – we are assessing him, but [it’s] a big worry with him. He’s going to be out for weeks.”
There are reports, however, that he could just be out for a ‘few’ weeks rather than ‘a lot’.
In a similar vein, Thomas Partey is out with a thigh injury sustained during training, with Arteta revealing, “He’s got a muscle injury and we expect him to be out for a few weeks. We don’t know the extent of it still, he has more tests today.”
Forward Gabriel Jesus also remains on the injury list with a hamstring concern. After an impressive performance against Sevilla in the Champions League, Jesus’ scan showed a muscle injury, leading to Arteta’s cautious stance, “The scans show that there is a muscle injury. We might miss him for a few weeks again… With him, I am not going to put any (time frame) because I did it once and I got it totally wrong.”
Defender Jurrien Timber‘s status post-surgery is another issue for Arteta’s setup, with the Dutch international currently in the recovery phase of his rehabilitation. Despite being injured on his debut, his absence is felt, with the club not securing a replacement during the summer transfer window.
The emphasis is now on the recovery and return of these players, especially Odegaard, whose role as captain and playmaker is pivotal for the Gunners as they look to regain their footing following the recent defeats.
With yet another international break on the horizon, Arsenal will be keen to have their key players back to full fitness for a demanding schedule ahead to avoid losing even further ground.