Arsenal will face Wolves in their next Premier League game on Saturday. The team is currently unbeaten in their last 12 league matches, a run that started in November. Despite this strong form, they have drawn five of those games, which has caused them to drop points as they try to catch Liverpool, who are leading the league. Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping to turn those draws into wins in the coming weeks, beginning with the match against Wolves. However, this will be a challenging task, as Wolves are a well-organized and tough side to beat, especially at their home ground.
Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match in his press conference. He described Wolves as a team that is well-coached and hard to play against. For Arsenal to secure a victory, they will need to overcome some key injury concerns. Several players, including William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly, are doubtful for the game. Saliba has been dealing with a hamstring injury, while Lewis-Skelly is recovering from a knee problem. Both players are close to returning, but Saturday’s game might come too soon for them. Arteta mentioned that the final decision on their availability would depend on consultations with the medical team and their performance in training sessions leading up to the match.
In addition to Saliba and Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal has other long-term absentees. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined and not expected to return anytime soon. Saka has a hamstring injury, Jesus is dealing with a knee issue, and Tomiyasu is recovering from knee surgery. Ben White, another important player for Arsenal, is also unavailable. He underwent minor knee surgery in November and has not yet resumed full training with the team. Arteta provided an update on White’s condition, stating that he is close to rejoining the squad but still needs to complete a few final steps in his recovery process.
With these injuries, Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested. According to the official Arsenal website, the team currently has 17 senior players available for selection. Premier League rules allow clubs to name a matchday squad of 20 players, which means Arteta may have to rely on some of the club’s academy players to fill the bench. Ethan Nwaneri, a young talent from the Arsenal Academy, has been included in most matchday squads this season and is expected to feature again. Other young players, such as Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ismael Kabia, may also be part of the squad. Butler-Oyedeji recently made his debut for Arsenal in a game against Dinamo Zagreb, while Kabia has been involved in several matchday squads this season.
Despite these challenges, Arsenal’s potential squad for the Wolves game remains strong. Goalkeepers David Raya and Matt Turner are expected to be available. In defense, Arteta can call upon players like Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Midfield options include Declan Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard. In attack, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raheem Sterling are among the players who could feature. Youngsters like Nwaneri, Kabia, and Butler-Oyedeji will provide additional options if needed.
The injuries to key players have undoubtedly affected Arsenal’s season, but the team has managed to maintain a strong position in the league. Arteta will be hoping that his available players can step up and deliver a positive result against Wolves. A win would not only extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run but also help them keep pace with Liverpool in the title race. The manager will also be looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, hoping that some of his injured players will be able to return soon and strengthen the squad further.
Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching the match against Wolves, hoping their team can overcome the injury setbacks and secure a crucial three points. The club’s academy players may have an opportunity to make an impact, showcasing the depth of talent within the Arsenal setup. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to navigate these challenges will play a significant role in determining their success.
