Arsenal suffer an injury crisis on their hands as Mikel Arteta enters the second half of the season with a depleted squad. His main striker Gabriel Jesus is out for 3 months with Martinelli, Saka and Smith Rowe not fully fit as well.
Arsenal’s Injury Woes:
Arsenal played a friendly against Juventus, losing 2-0. Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “[Emile] hasn’t been able to train in the last few days but hopefully he can start [to train] next week. He’s been out for a while now – he needs some time to get back to speed. We really need him and we’re going to welcome him with both arms, because he’s a really important player for us. We need him fit on the pitch.”
On when Saka and Martinelli could be involved again, he added: “They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team. We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them. Gabi was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
With Reiss Nelson about to be used as Arsenal’s backup striker, he, too, suffered an injury against Juventus. Speaking to reporters, Arteta said, “We don’t know the extent of the injury. The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn’t change the plans.”
Arsenal will be hoping to buy reinforcements to keep up their position at the top of the league.
