Arsenal will return to action on Wednesday when they host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks. The Gunners have positioned themselves well in the group, currently sitting third with 13 points from their first six matches. With a strong performance, they can secure their place in the knockout stages of the competition. A win against Dinamo could guarantee Arsenal’s advancement, depending on results from other fixtures in the final matchday.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side has been dealing with significant injury problems, making their bid to return to winning ways even more challenging. Thankfully, the Gunners have been handed a boost ahead of the crucial clash against Dinamo Zagreb. Two key players, Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori, have returned to training, giving Arteta a glimmer of hope that they could be available for selection in the near future.
Nwaneri, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton on January 4, has missed the last four matches across all competitions. His return to training is a positive sign, though it remains unclear whether he will be fit in time to feature against Dinamo. The 18-year-old has been an important part of the squad this season, and his return could provide a much-needed boost to Arsenal’s depth.
Similarly, Calafiori, who has also been absent for the last few weeks due to a muscle injury, was spotted in training ahead of the match against Dinamo Zagreb. Calafiori has missed the games against Manchester United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa but could be in line for a return to action if his recovery progresses well. His availability would add further options to Arteta’s squad as they look to strengthen their defense.
While the return of Nwaneri and Calafiori is promising, Arsenal’s injury woes are far from over. In more concerning news, French defender William Saliba was not seen participating in training, which suggests that he will not be available for the Dinamo Zagreb fixture. Saliba, who sat out Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, is reportedly set to miss the next three matches due to a niggling injury. Arteta admitted his concerns regarding the situation, expressing that he was “very worried” about the team’s options in defense, particularly with Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined.
The absence of Saliba is a significant blow to Arsenal, as the 23-year-old has been one of the key figures in their defense this season. His leadership, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have made him a vital part of the Gunners’ backline. Without Saliba, Arteta will need to rely on other defenders to step up, with the likes of Gabriel Magalhães and Rob Holding likely to feature more prominently in the coming matches.
Arteta’s worries about the depth in defense were clear following the draw with Aston Villa, as he discussed the challenges the team faces in coping with injuries. The Gunners have had to make do with limited options in recent weeks, and with Saliba’s absence, Arteta’s options at the back are even more restricted. The manager was optimistic that further tests would provide more clarity on Saliba’s condition, but it seems likely that the Frenchman will miss not only the Champions League clash with Dinamo but also some crucial Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal’s upcoming matches are vital, with some key games on the horizon, including a Premier League clash with Manchester City on February 2. The Gunners will need to regroup quickly and adapt to the challenges posed by these injuries if they are to maintain their push for the title. A win against Dinamo Zagreb could help lift the spirits of the squad and set them up for the demanding schedule ahead.
In summary, while Arsenal has received positive news with the return of Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori to training, the injury situation remains a concern. William Saliba’s absence will be felt in the coming weeks, and Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad to navigate the challenges ahead. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remains in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, and a win against Dinamo Zagreb could provide the momentum they need to continue their campaign.
