Coach Mikel Arteta’s options are dwindling rapidly. Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard are the latest names to join Arsenal’s growing injury list.
Previously, the list had included Jurrien Timber (knee), Thomas Partey (groin), and Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring). From a club with confidence fluttering after a full summer of transfers and a brilliantly successful 2022/23 season, suddenly signs of a crisis have become fragmented at Emirates Stadium.
Every problem has its reason. Arsenal doctor Gary O’Driscoll took over as director of sports medicine at MU earlier this year and his successor has yet to be identified. Of course, O’Driscoll is also not having a smooth time in his new job. MU is even having more trouble with injuries than Arsenal at the moment.
However, Arteta could actually have a better squad if he had a more efficient medical department.
Amid the suffocating atmosphere of the North London derby, a summer signing worth £105 million Rice was substituted at half-time because of back discomfort, but in the second half, he was seen in a bundle again. left calf. The frown on the former West Ham captain’s face, accompanied by the constant shaking of his head, is clearly not a positive sign.
Arteta is worried. Losing Trossard in the final training session before the match was bad enough. The Belgium international may not be out for long but after a hamstring injury to the man he was “stunting” for, Gabriel Martinelli – who limped off against Everton last week – it is certainly a pain Another start for Arteta.
However, it was Rice who really worried Arteta the most after this 2-2 draw. The obvious lack of control in Arsenal’s midfield without the English star was evident in the second half. It was no surprise that Tottenham’s second equalizer came after Jorginho, who directly replaced Rice in the first half, lost control of the midfield. With Partey not expected to return until after the next international break, Arteta will have a tough time making midfield options.
Arsenal has spent a lot to prepare for the Champions League return season. But the pressure of many major tournaments at the same time is becoming increasingly terrible. This week’s clash with Brentford in the Carabao Cup will give Arteta a chance to rotate. However, from Saturday onwards, the situation will be more difficult. They have to visit Bournemouth on Saturday, travel to Lens in the Champions League on October 3 and 5 days later welcome Man City at the Emirates.
No one has the right to use trauma as an excuse, no matter how terrible the crisis. The relentless intensity of top-flight football with a match every three or four days takes its toll. Arsenal can look at Liverpool in recent seasons for reference.
Rice and Trossard will be assessed for their injuries over the next 48 hours in the hope they are not out for too long. Martinelli, according to sources, can play next weekend, but Arsenal doctors are not sure if he can return early because the risk of recurrence of the hamstring injury is very high. Bukayo Saka continues to be troubled by the Achilles soreness that plagued him last season and looked uncomfortable playing the full North London derby.
When asked if the Arsenal squad was under too much pressure, Arteta replied: “Today’s match was a test because we were missing five big players. But that’s what we have. At the same time, it provides opportunities for others. We play every three days and that is the level we have to show, so let’s try.”
There’s no other way. Despite the injury problem, Arsenal still needs to play with the fighting spirit that Arteta expects.