Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will miss the club’s next four fixtures. The two players are not expected to return before the next international break, which is set for mid-March. Arteta was asked about the possibility of either player being available for selection during this period. He responded by saying that he does not believe either player will be fit in time. When asked specifically about the first game after the international break, which is against Fulham on April 1st, Arteta stated that it might be a realistic return date for the players but emphasized the need to monitor their progress over the next few weeks. Arteta mentioned that Saka and Martinelli have been out for a long time, so when they return, it will likely be a gradual process to reintegrate them into the team. He also pointed out that the situation is still fluid, and it would depend on how they evolve in the coming weeks.
Arteta further explained that the club would have a meeting to discuss the progress of the two players, particularly Martinelli. He noted that Martinelli might have a chance of returning before Saka, but again, it would depend on how things progress over the next week or ten days. The games that Saka and Martinelli will miss include Arsenal’s match against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday. After that, Arsenal will face Manchester United at Old Trafford and then play the second leg against PSV. The Gunners will also host Chelsea at the Emirates in the final match before the international break.
While Saka and Martinelli are expected to return before the end of the season, there are other injury concerns for Arsenal. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz are all dealing with injuries of their own. Tomiyasu is recovering from a knee issue, Jesus is recovering from an ACL injury, and Havertz is dealing with a hamstring problem. All three players have undergone surgeries, and it is expected that they will not return until the start of the 2025/26 campaign, or possibly close to that time.
As for Saka and Martinelli, Arteta has made it clear that the priority is to ensure their full recovery before they are brought back into action. The team has been managing their injuries carefully, and it will be important for them to come back at the right time to avoid any setbacks. Arteta’s cautious approach is a reflection of the importance of these two players to Arsenal’s success. Saka and Martinelli have been key contributors to the team’s attack, and their absence leaves a gap in the squad that will need to be filled by other players.
Arteta’s comments also highlight the challenges of managing injuries during a busy season. With a packed schedule, the manager has to make difficult decisions regarding player fitness and match readiness. The next few weeks will be crucial for Arsenal, as they look to continue competing in multiple competitions while dealing with these injury concerns. Arteta will be hoping that Saka and Martinelli can make a full recovery in time to play a significant role in the team’s push for success as the season progresses.
In the meantime, Arsenal will have to rely on their squad depth to navigate the challenges ahead. With key players missing, others will need to step up and contribute to the team’s performance. Arteta has been rotating his squad to ensure that the team remains competitive, and this period will be another test of his ability to manage the squad effectively. It is clear that Arsenal has the quality to cope without Saka and Martinelli for the time being, but their return will be eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.
The news of these injuries has certainly affected the mood around the club, but Arteta remains optimistic that the team can continue to perform at a high level despite the absences. Arsenal has shown resilience throughout the season, and this challenge will be another opportunity for the players to prove their worth. Arteta will be working closely with the medical staff to ensure that all injured players are on the road to recovery, and he will continue to monitor their progress closely.
As for the injured players, the club is taking a long-term approach to their recovery. With the 2025/26 campaign in mind, the focus is on getting them fully fit before they return to action. There is no rush to bring them back too soon, as the club wants to ensure that they are in the best possible condition when they return to the pitch. The surgeries that Tomiyasu, Jesus, and Havertz have undergone are significant, and their recovery will take time. The club’s medical team is working hard to ensure that all three players make a full recovery, and Arsenal will be patient in allowing them to return when they are fully ready.
Despite the injuries, Arsenal’s season remains very much alive, and the team will continue to fight for success in both domestic and European competitions. Arteta’s leadership will be key as the team navigates this period of adversity. The manager has shown in the past that he can adapt to challenges and get the best out of his players, and he will need to do so again as he manages the squad through this difficult phase. Fans will be hoping that the injured players return as soon as possible to bolster the team, but in the meantime, they will continue to support the squad as it faces the challenges ahead.
The absence of Saka and Martinelli will no doubt be felt on the pitch, but Arsenal has the resources to cope. Arteta’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth will be crucial in ensuring that the team remains competitive. The upcoming fixtures will test the squad, but there is confidence that Arsenal can continue to perform well even without two of their star players. The club’s medical team will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Saka, Martinelli, and the other injured players recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Ultimately, the focus remains on getting all of the injured players back to full fitness so that they can contribute to the team’s success. Whether it is Saka, Martinelli, Tomiyasu, Jesus, or Havertz, Arsenal’s medical and coaching staff will work together to ensure that these players return to action when they are ready. The team will continue to push forward, and with Arteta at the helm, there is belief that the Gunners can achieve their goals this season. It will be a challenging few weeks for Arsenal, but with the support of their fans and the determination of their players, the team will keep fighting.
