Arsenal is preparing for their upcoming Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, with just two games remaining in the group stage. The Gunners are currently in third place, with a good chance of securing automatic qualification to the Round of 16. However, the team faces several injury concerns that could affect their squad depth and selection for the crucial fixture. As they turn their focus to the Champions League, Mikel Arteta is likely to make some decisions regarding player rotations and resting key players, but the number of injuries in the squad may limit his options.
One of the biggest blows to Arsenal’s attack is the absence of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward has sustained a torn ACL, which will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. This injury came after he was substituted during the match against Manchester United, and subsequent assessments confirmed the severity of the injury. A statement from the club outlined that Jesus would not be able to play again this campaign, leaving a significant gap in Arsenal’s attacking options. His absence will undoubtedly affect the team, as he has been a key player in their forward line.
Another key player missing for Arsenal is Bukayo Saka. The talented winger has undergone a procedure on his hamstring, which will keep him out for a substantial period. Arteta provided an update on Saka’s condition, explaining that the procedure went well, but the recovery would take a few months. The manager speculated that Saka could return by late March, although the exact timeframe was unclear. This is a blow for the team, as Saka has been one of their standout performers in recent seasons, and his absence leaves a hole in their attacking options.
Ben White is also sidelined, though he is closer to a return. White had a knee procedure a couple of months into the season, and Arteta stated that he was in the final stages of his recovery. While White’s return is not imminent, it is expected that he could make his comeback in early February. His ability to play as a right-back or a center-back would offer some much-needed versatility in Arsenal’s defensive options, so his return will be a welcome boost.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has also been out for an extended period, is in a similar situation. The Japanese defender has been sidelined due to a knee injury since the start of the season, but Arteta confirmed that he has been progressing well in his recovery. Tomiyasu has recently returned to the pitch for some individual work, but it is still unclear how quickly he will be able to return to full fitness. Arteta mentioned that the team would continue to monitor his progress and evaluate how he reacts to the intensity of training before deciding on his return. An early February return is expected, but it will depend on how his injury heals in the coming weeks.
Ethan Nwaneri, the young midfielder, has also suffered an injury. Nwaneri picked up a hamstring issue during the festive period, and Arteta confirmed that the teenager would be out for a few weeks. Like Saka and others, Nwaneri’s absence is a setback, particularly given the potential for him to contribute in various roles for the team. His return is not expected to happen until early February at the earliest, and the team will have to manage without him for the time being.
William Saliba, another key player for Arsenal, is currently a doubt for the upcoming match. Saliba missed the previous game against Aston Villa, and Arteta indicated that further tests would be conducted to determine the extent of the defender’s injury. It remains unclear how long Saliba will be out, and Arteta is waiting for more information before making any decisions on his availability for the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb. Saliba has been one of Arsenal’s standout defenders this season, so his potential absence would be a significant concern for the team.
Riccardo Calafiori, who has been recovering from his own injury, is also a doubt for the upcoming match. Arteta mentioned that the club’s medical staff would make decisions regarding his fitness and whether he would be ready for the next game or need more time to recover. Calafiori’s absence would leave Arsenal with fewer options in the defensive areas, especially given the other injuries in the squad.
Despite these injury setbacks, Arsenal still has a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level. Arteta will have to make careful decisions regarding his team selection for the match against Dinamo Zagreb, as the manager looks to balance the demands of the Champions League with the need to ensure players are not overworked. The upcoming match is crucial for Arsenal’s hopes of advancing in the competition, and Arteta will be hoping that the players available can perform at their best, even if the team is not at full strength.
In addition to the injuries to key players, the team’s overall form will also be an important factor in the upcoming Champions League match. Arsenal has had a mixed record in recent weeks, with some impressive victories but also a few disappointing results. The team will need to find consistency in their performances to ensure they secure the necessary points to progress in the group stage.
As the game against Dinamo Zagreb approaches, the injury situation at Arsenal is something that Arteta will have to closely monitor. With a number of players out, including Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba, and Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta’s options are limited. However, Arsenal still has a wealth of talent in the squad, and the team will be hopeful that they can put in a strong performance despite the absences. The next few weeks will be crucial for Arsenal’s season, as they look to secure qualification to the next round of the Champions League while managing the challenges posed by injuries.
