Injury setbacks are an inevitable part of any football club’s journey, but the 2024-2025 season has been particularly challenging for Arsenal FC. The Gunners have faced a slew of injuries that have tested their squad depth and strained Mikel Arteta’s tactical plans. Despite these hurdles, Arsenal’s hopes of making a strong push for the Premier League title and achieving success on multiple fronts have been revitalized by the upcoming return of several key players from injury.
In this article, we take a closer look at Arsenal’s injury woes, the status of their recovering players, and how these returns could significantly impact the club’s season.
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From the very start of the 2024-2025 season, Arsenal has been plagued with injuries to crucial first-team players. The Gunners, who finished the previous season in a competitive position, found themselves in a battle to maintain their form amidst the unrelenting challenges posed by injuries. Mikel Arteta, the club’s Spanish manager, has been forced to navigate through a series of tactical adjustments as his key players were sidelined for extended periods.
Arteta’s side has been particularly affected in the defensive department, with multiple injuries to players who are instrumental in the team’s defensive setup. The absence of such players has not only hurt the defensive solidity of the team but has also made it difficult for Arteta to rotate his squad effectively. Moreover, the injuries to pivotal figures have exposed the Gunners’ lack of depth in certain positions, leading to a sense of urgency in the transfer market.
While the team has been resilient, and some players have stepped up to fill the gaps, the return of key figures to the squad is expected to provide the much-needed boost to Arsenal’s title ambitions and overall performance. As per reports, four players—Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ethan Nwaneri—are close to returning to full fitness, which could significantly improve the Gunners’ fortunes moving forward.
Ben White, one of the most dependable defenders in Mikel Arteta’s squad, has been sidelined for a while, leaving the Gunners vulnerable on the right side of defense. The England international, who usually operates as a right-back, is an important player for Arsenal both defensively and offensively. His versatility and ability to play as a centre-back or right-back have made him a key figure in Arteta’s tactical setup.
Throughout White’s absence, Arteta has been forced to deploy alternative players in his place, with Thomas Partey being one of the prominent candidates for the role. While Partey has performed admirably, he is primarily a defensive midfielder, and playing him at right-back has disrupted the team’s balance. White’s return will provide a much-needed reinforcement to the backline, ensuring that the Gunners are more solid defensively. His return will also allow Arteta to move Thomas Partey back into his preferred midfield position, strengthening the team’s control in the middle of the park.
White’s defensive prowess, combined with his ability to contribute to attacks, will be vital for Arsenal’s chances of mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League title. His return will also offer more tactical flexibility to Arteta, who will be able to rotate his squad more effectively with a fully fit White.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s absence has been particularly felt at Arsenal, as the Japanese defender is known for his adaptability across multiple defensive positions. Tomiyasu has proved to be an invaluable asset for Arteta, offering both depth and quality at right-back, left-back, and even as a centre-back. His versatility allows Arteta to rotate his defense without compromising on performance, which is especially crucial during a busy Premier League schedule.
Tomiyasu’s ability to fill in at various positions has given Arteta the flexibility to experiment with his defensive lineup, depending on the opposition and match requirements. His defensive intelligence, coupled with his solid positioning and ability to track runners, has made him a reliable option for the Gunners. The Japanese defender’s return will be a significant boost for Arsenal, as it will allow Arteta to deploy his best players in their preferred positions, creating more balance and stability across the squad.
Additionally, Tomiyasu’s return will further enhance Arsenal’s defensive depth, providing Arteta with more options when dealing with injuries or suspensions to key players. His presence will also alleviate the pressure on other defenders, such as Gabriel and William Saliba, by offering additional cover and support in key areas.
On the left side of defense, Riccardo Calafiori’s return from injury will provide Arsenal with an additional layer of quality and depth. The Italian full-back, who joined the club from AS Roma, has shown great potential during his time at Arsenal. Known for his pace, technical ability, and composure on the ball, Calafiori has the tools to become a key player for the Gunners in the coming seasons.
Before his injury, Calafiori was considered a strong candidate for the starting left-back role, and his return is expected to provide a significant upgrade to Arsenal’s defensive options. His presence in the team will add more balance to the defense, as he is more naturally suited to the left-back position compared to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior. Calafiori’s return will also provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility, allowing the manager to rotate his squad without weakening the overall defensive unit.
With Calafiori back in the fold, Arsenal will be better equipped to deal with the challenges of competing on multiple fronts. The added depth in the left-back position will allow Arteta to rest other key players when needed, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue
One of the brightest spots for Arsenal this season has been the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri, the young talent who has broken into the first team. The 17-year-old English midfielder has impressed Arteta with his maturity, work rate, and technical ability. Despite his age, Nwaneri has shown that he is more than capable of contributing at the highest level, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
Nwaneri’s return to the squad will provide Arsenal with an added dimension in the midfield. His ability to pick out passes, drive the ball forward, and maintain composure in tight spaces makes him an exciting prospect for the future. Arteta has been keen to integrate young talent into his squad, and Nwaneri’s performances have only strengthened his position as one of the club’s most promising young players.
The return of Nwaneri will also provide Arsenal with more options in midfield, allowing Arteta to rotate his squad and keep his players fresh. The young midfielder’s ability to impact games from the bench or in a starting role will be an asset for the Gunners as they look to push for silverware in the second half of the season.
While the returns of White, Tomiyasu, Calafiori, and Nwaneri offer optimism for Arsenal, the injury to Bukayo Saka remains a significant blow to the team’s aspirations. The 22-year-old winger, who has been one of the standout performers for Arsenal in recent seasons, underwent surgery to address an ongoing injury concern. Saka’s absence will be felt, particularly given his importance to the team’s attacking play.
Saka’s ability to create chances, score goals, and contribute to the team’s overall build-up play has made him an indispensable figure for Arsenal. His flair, pace, and technical ability on the ball make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. However, Arsenal will not rush his recovery, and it is understood that Saka could be sidelined for several months, with a potential return expected in March, although this timeline remains uncertain.
While Saka’s absence is undoubtedly a setback, Arsenal have shown that they can cope without their star player. With the return of other key figures and the continued emergence of young talents like Nwaneri, Arsenal have the depth to compensate for Saka’s absence in the short term. Arteta will also look to players like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Emile Smith Rowe to step up and contribute to the team’s attacking output during this challenging period
The return of key players like Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ethan Nwaneri offers a renewed sense of hope for Arsenal as they navigate through the challenges of the 2024-2025 season. While the club has been hit hard by injuries, the upcoming return of these players provides Arteta with the tools to strengthen his squad and maintain a competitive edge.
With the Premier League title race heating up, Arsenal will need all hands on deck to secure a top-four finish and challenge for the championship. The Gunners’ resilience in the face of adversity has been commendable, and the return of these crucial players could be the catalyst needed for a successful second half of the season.
Despite the setback caused by Saka’s long-term absence, Arsenal’s squad is in a strong position to remain competitive on all fronts. As Arteta continues to work with his players and integrate returning stars into the team, Arsenal fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-2025 campaign.
