As Arsenal navigates through a challenging period in the 2024-25 season, injuries have become a significant obstacle for Mikel Arteta’s side. The club’s injury list has grown steadily, leaving the Gunners with a depleted squad and a major challenge ahead in the quest for silverware. Arsenal’s hopes of competing for domestic and European honors are being tested as key players on both ends of the pitch have been sidelined for extended periods. From attacking talents like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to defensive stalwarts like William Saliba and Ben White, the club has been severely impacted by a series of injuries to crucial players.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the key players who are currently unavailable for selection, explores the implications of their absence, and examines how Arteta’s tactical decisions will be influenced by the evolving injury crisis.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori’s absence from Arsenal’s lineup has become a notable concern for Arteta and the club. Calafiori had shown promise earlier in the season, earning valuable minutes and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts. His performances were a welcome addition to a squad that already boasted considerable talent in its backline, yet his absence since Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United has left Arteta short of defensive options.
The young defender had been growing in confidence and was gradually earning a more prominent role in the team. Calafiori’s ability to operate as both a left-back and a centre-back made him an invaluable asset, particularly for Arteta, who values versatile players that can adapt to different tactical setups. Unfortunately, Calafiori’s injury means Arsenal has lost not only a promising talent but also a much-needed depth option in the defense.
Arteta expressed some optimism in recent comments, noting that Calafiori was progressing well in his recovery, but there remains uncertainty surrounding his exact return date. According to reports, the defender is expected to be back in action by late January or early February 2025, though this timeline is subject to change based on the progress of his rehabilitation.
Calafiori’s return will be crucial, especially in the upcoming stretch of fixtures where squad rotation and defensive solidity will be paramount. Arsenal will be hoping to have him back in time for what could be a pivotal part of the season, including potential European fixtures and critical Premier League matches.
One of the brightest young talents emerging from Arsenal’s youth ranks, Ethan Nwaneri has captured the attention of both fans and pundits alike. The teenager’s recent injury, sustained following his impressive goal in the draw against Brighton, has been a source of concern for Arteta. Despite his age, Nwaneri had been making waves within the senior squad, earning his first-team opportunities due to his impressive performances for the U21 side and his ability to make an impact whenever called upon.
Though Nwaneri is still in the early stages of his professional career, his natural flair, creativity, and technical skill have seen him entrusted with significant minutes, sparking excitement for his future. His potential was most clearly on display when he scored a stunning goal against Brighton, but the injury that followed temporarily halted his progress.
The young attacking midfielder has resumed training, sparking hope that he could return to the fold soon. However, given his youth and limited experience at the top level, Nwaneri’s role in the senior squad will likely remain limited. His development remains a key part of Arteta’s long-term vision for the club, and while his immediate contributions may be restricted, his talent could prove invaluable in the second half of the season.
As Nwaneri continues to regain full fitness, Arsenal fans will be hopeful that his return will bring fresh energy to the team. Whether he can make a significant impact in the league or in cup competitions will depend on his ability to regain match fitness and impress Arteta with his performances in training.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury woes have been one of the most frustrating storylines of the season for both the player and Arsenal supporters. The versatile defender, who can play both at right-back and centre-back, had a strong start to his Arsenal career, quickly establishing himself as one of Arteta’s most reliable defenders. However, this season, Tomiyasu has been plagued by a recurring knee injury that has kept him out of action for the majority of the campaign.
As of now, Tomiyasu has only managed to accumulate six minutes of playing time, and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery has raised questions about how long Arsenal will be without his services. His injury has left Arteta with fewer options on the right side of the defense, especially considering Ben White’s own fitness struggles (more on him below). Tomiyasu’s absence also limits Arsenal’s tactical flexibility, as his ability to slot into various defensive roles was a significant asset to Arteta’s rotation plans.
The lack of clarity around Tomiyasu’s expected return only adds to the frustration. The club has been cautious in providing a timeline for his recovery, and while there is hope that he may return to full fitness in the near future, there is still no certainty about when he will be available to feature again. This is a significant blow for Arteta, as Tomiyasu’s presence could help solidify the defensive unit, particularly in more high-stakes matches.
Arsenal fans will be hoping for positive updates on Tomiyasu’s recovery soon, but until then, Arteta will need to rely on other defensive options to fill the void left by the Japanese international.
Ben White’s injury has compounded Arsenal’s defensive issues, with the England international forced to undergo knee surgery in November 2024. White had been a regular fixture in the starting lineup at right-back and centre-back, contributing to Arsenal’s strong defensive record at the start of the season. His versatility, composure on the ball, and ability to play out from the back made him an important part of Arteta’s tactical setup.
After undergoing surgery, White’s recovery has been progressing steadily, and Arteta has remained optimistic about his return, though he has refrained from providing a specific timeline. The coach has stated that White’s knee is improving and that his response to treatment has been positive, but given the delicate nature of knee injuries, Arteta is understandably cautious in his public comments.
While White is expected to make his return by late January 2025, his absence has already had a significant impact on Arsenal’s defensive organization. Arteta has had to make adjustments to his backline, and the lack of depth in that area has been a noticeable concern, especially when considering the challenges of competing in multiple competitions.
White’s return will provide a much-needed boost, but Arsenal will also need to ensure that they have sufficient cover in case the injury resurfaces. In the meantime, Arteta will need to continue managing his defensive options carefully to navigate this challenging period.
Perhaps the most impactful injury for Arsenal this season has been that of Bukayo Saka. The young winger has been a standout performer for the Gunners in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their attacking play and providing crucial goals and assists. His ability to drive forward, create chances, and score goals has made him one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
However, Saka sustained a hamstring injury in December 2024, forcing him to undergo surgery. While initial reports suggested he could return by March 2025, there remains uncertainty surrounding the exact timeline for his recovery. This injury has come at a particularly unfortunate time for Arsenal, as Saka has been a key player in their offensive setup, and his absence has left a significant hole in Arteta’s attacking plans.
Saka’s return in March would be a welcome boost, but given the importance of his role in the team, Arteta will be hoping for a quicker recovery. In the meantime, the Gunners will have to find ways to compensate for Saka’s absence, relying on other attacking players to step up in his stead.
Gabriel Jesus’s absence due to an ACL injury sustained in the FA Cup match against Manchester United has left a significant void in Arsenal’s attacking lineup. Jesus’s work rate, technical ability, and clinical finishing were all crucial to Arsenal’s title charge last season, and his injury has robbed Arteta of a player who can lead the line with energy and creativity.
The Brazil international’s ACL injury is expected to sideline him until the summer of 2025, a lengthy absence that has severely disrupted Arsenal’s attacking options. With both Jesus and Saka unavailable, Arteta has had to rely on alternative attacking setups, often using players like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in attacking roles. However, without a fully fit Jesus, Arsenal has lost a key component of their offensive unit, and Arteta’s tactical flexibility has been limited.
Jesus’s recovery will be a long-term focus for Arsenal’s medical staff, and his eventual return will be crucial for the club’s ambitions in the 2025-26 season. However, in the short term, Arteta will need to find solutions to maintain Arsenal’s attacking momentum without their star striker.
The injuries to key players have highlighted Arsenal’s lack of squad depth, especially in critical positions. Arteta has been forced to make tactical adjustments and utilize players in unfamiliar roles, which has had mixed results. The absence of key defensive figures like Saliba, White, and Tomiyasu has weakened Arsenal’s backline, while the loss of Jesus and Saka has severely disrupted their attacking fluidity.
As Arsenal continues to compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, the strain on the squad will only intensify. The lack of depth is especially apparent when considering the number of fixtures the club faces in the coming months. Arteta’s ability to manage his squad effectively, rotate players, and adjust his tactical approach will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.
The January transfer window could be pivotal for Arteta and the club’s ambitions, with the Gunners likely to explore the market for reinforcements. Addressing the injury crisis and adding quality players to the squad will be essential if Arsenal is to remain competitive in the title race and in European competitions.
Arsenal’s injury crisis has placed immense pressure on Arteta’s squad, but the team’s resilience and determination will be tested over the coming months. The return of key players like Saliba, Calafiori, and possibly even Saka will provide a much-needed boost, but until then, the Gunners will need to dig deep and rely on their depth and tactical flexibility to overcome this challenging period.
The next few weeks could define Arsenal’s season, and the club will be hoping for positive updates on their injured stars as they continue to fight for silverware. Whether they can overcome these setbacks and mount a serious challenge for titles remains to be seen, but Arteta’s leadership and the team’s spirit will be crucial as Arsenal navigates through this difficult period.
