According to a report by Football.London, Arsenal will be without five key players for their upcoming Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
Mikel Arteta is facing multiple injury challenges, especially after several fitness concerns were raised following the recent match against Bournemouth.
While Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, and Ben White were fit enough to play against Bournemouth despite previous concerns, the team still suffered their first loss of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli, returning from a calf injury sustained while representing Brazil, came off the bench but missed a crucial opportunity to give his team the lead before they conceded twice in quick succession.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were both absent from the Bournemouth match due to injuries, though Arteta had initially been hopeful that Saka might recover in time.
Speaking before the game, Arteta said, “It’s not a serious injury, and he’s evolving well… We are hopeful.” However, neither Saka nor Timber was spotted in the training session before the Shakhtar game, casting doubt over their availability.
In addition to Saka and Timber, Martin Odegaard will also be missing due to an ankle injury. Arteta confirmed this, saying, “They are closer and both progressing really well. Martin is still not fit.”
The absence of key players could significantly impact Arsenal’s performance in both the Champions League and their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who appeared to suffer an injury setback, also missed the Bournemouth game and is expected to be unavailable for the Shakhtar tie.
Kieran Tierney remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury picked up during Euro 2024 while playing for Scotland.
To make matters worse, William Saliba will serve a one-match ban after being sent off in the Bournemouth game, further depleting Arsenalโs defensive options.
With a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool approaching, Arteta is likely to avoid taking risks with any players recovering from injuryโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
