Mikel Arteta has expressed concern regarding Arsenal FC’s escalating injury crisis following the news that 18-year-old Max Dowman will be sidelined for several weeks. Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage during a recent match, adding to the club’s growing list of absentees. This season, Arsenal has recorded the highest number of injuries in the Premier League.
Current Injury Landscape at Arsenal
As of now, Arsenal is contending with multiple key player absences:
- William Saliba
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Cristhian Mosquera
- Jurrien Timber
- Kai Havertz
- Leandro Trossard
- Max Dowman
Additionally, players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and others have faced injuries throughout the season, with many experiencing multiple setbacks.
Challenges with Player Availability
Arteta noted that Declan Rice’s absence due to illness complicates the situation further. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is preparing for a return from an ACL injury, as he replaces Dowman in the Gunners’ Champions League squad. Arteta assessed the situation, noting:
“We don’t have time to train, which means we can’t blame our methods for these injuries. The absences load other players more heavily, creating a dangerous cycle.”
Injury Patterns and Consequences
The club’s injury crisis is not merely due to quantity. Arsenal has faced injuries concentrated in specific positions, which heightens the impact on performance. Last season, the striking role suffered the most, and similar patterns are emerging this term.
For instance, injuries to key strikers have forced players out of their natural positions, leading to increased fatigue and subsequent injuries. This has created a challenging environment for the team, especially as they approach a busy December schedule.
Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal’s December fixtures include:
- December 10: Club Brugge (A) – Champions League
- December 13: Wolves (H) – Premier League
- December 20: Everton (A) – Premier League
- December 23: Crystal Palace (H) – Carabao Cup quarter-final
- December 27: Brighton (H) – Premier League
- December 30: Aston Villa (H) – Premier League
As Arsenal prepares for these critical matches, the impact of injuries could define their performance and strategy moving forward. The team must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
