Arsenal’s injury woes have been steadily mounting as the season progresses. Mikel Arteta’s side have managed to remain competitive in the Premier League despite dealing with these setbacks, but it’s clear that the absence of key players could disrupt their challenge for the title. Heading into this match against Leicester City, the Gunners will be without six players, with four others remaining doubtful.
Gabriel Martinelli, one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, has been struggling with a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United. The Brazilian forward has become an essential part of Arteta’s attacking setup, contributing both goals and assists. His pace, work rate, and pressing ability make him a potent threat in Arsenal’s fast-paced style of play.
Martinelli’s absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the team’s attacking depth. With Bukayo Saka also out for an extended period (more on that later), Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his attacking options. Arsenal’s pressing game could be significantly affected, as Martinelli is one of the most energetic forwards in the squad.
Arteta has confirmed that Martinelli is undergoing rehabilitation and that his condition is being carefully monitored. The timeline for his return is still uncertain, and this could force Arteta to look to alternative sources of creativity on the wings. The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard will need to step up in his absence.
Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a key defensive player for Arsenal, especially in terms of his versatility and ability to cover multiple positions across the backline. His injury, sustained earlier in the season, continues to keep him out of action. While Tomiyasu has been recovering, Arteta has yet to confirm when he will be ready to return to full fitness.
The lack of Tomiyasu leaves Arsenal short on the defensive flanks. The 24-year-old is capable of playing both as a right-back and as a center-back, providing Arteta with a flexible tactical option. Without him, Arteta will have to rely on Ben White, who is not yet fully fit, or perhaps call upon Rob Holding to provide depth at the back.
Ben White has also been sidelined due to a knee injury. As a central defender, White has been instrumental in Arsenal’s solid defensive performances this season. He has formed a strong partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defense, but his absence leaves Arteta with limited options. White’s ability to play as a right-back and provide offensive support down the flank has been missed.
Arteta has indicated that White is progressing in his recovery, but the player has not yet been cleared to return to full training with the team. With the Premier League clash against Leicester looming, the availability of White remains uncertain, and Arsenal may need to proceed without him.
Asenal’s standout performer of the season, Bukayo Saka, will also miss this crucial encounter. Saka has been the focal point of Arsenal’s attacking play, contributing goals and assists, and his creativity has been essential in breaking down opposition defenses. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury has kept the winger sidelined since late January, and Arteta has confirmed that Saka will not return until at least March.
Saka’s absence is particularly significant due to his ability to create space on the wing, make key passes, and finish off chances. With Martinelli also out, Arteta’s attacking options are severely limited. This could mean that the responsibility of driving the attack will fall on the shoulders of players like Trossard, Smith Rowe, and perhaps even Gabriel Jesus (though he remains unavailable, as discussed below).
Gabriel Jesus has been one of the most important signings for Arsenal in recent years. The Brazilian forward brings both quality and work ethic to the team, offering something different to Arsenal’s attack with his pace, creativity, and movement. However, an ACL injury sustained earlier in the season has sidelined him for a significant period.
Arsenal’s attacking line has struggled in his absence, with Eddie Nketiah stepping into the starting role. While Nketiah has shown flashes of brilliance, he is not quite at the same level as Jesus, who offers a more well-rounded attacking presence. The absence of Jesus leaves Arsenal without their first-choice striker, and it has forced Arteta to adjust his tactics, relying more on the supporting cast to provide offensive firepower
Mohamed Elneny, the Egyptian midfielder, has been a reliable backup option for Arteta in the midfield. Unfortunately, Elneny has been ruled out due to a knee injury, further depleting Arsenal’s midfield options. Elneny’s injury means that Arsenal will need to rely more heavily on the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka to hold down the midfield.
While Elneny’s absence is not as high-profile as the injuries to key attacking players, it still impacts the overall depth of the squad. Elneny’s ability to cover for Partey and Xhaka in defensive situations is a valuable asset, and his injury means that Arsenal’s midfield will be under more pressure than usual.
Leicester City, led by Brendan Rodgers, have been facing their own injury problems ahead of the match against Arsenal. The Foxes have struggled with consistency this season, and injuries have only compounded their difficulties. Like Arsenal, Leicester will be without a number of key players, which could have a significant impact on their ability to compete in this crucial Premier League clash
Ricardo Pereira is an important figure for Leicester, both defensively and offensively. The Portuguese full-back has been sidelined for an extended period with an injury, and while he is now undergoing rehabilitation, his return is not yet imminent. Pereira’s ability to contribute in attack, linking up with the wingers and providing width, will be sorely missed.
Leicester will have to make do without Pereira, and his absence means that players like Timothy Castagne and James Justin will have to step up and perform at a higher level. Leicester’s defensive setup may be slightly more vulnerable in the absence of Pereira, especially when facing an attacking side like Arsenal.striker Jamie Vardy has been struggling with fitness issues throughout the season. While he remains a key figure in Leicester’s attacking setup, his age and recurring injuries have made it difficult for him to maintain the same level of intensity that he once did. Ahead of the Arsenal clash, Vardy is a doubt due to a fitness issue.
Vardy’s potential absence would be a major blow for Leicester, as he has been their primary goal-scoring threat for several seasons. If Vardy is unavailable, Rodgers may have to turn to Patson Daka or Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the line, both of whom have shown flashes of quality but are not yet as consistent as Vardy.
Defender Victor Kristiansen has also been nursing a muscle injury that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks. Kristiansen, a summer signing, was expected to add stability to Leicester’s defense, but injuries have hindered his progress. The Danish defender’s fitness will be a key concern for Rodgers, as Leicester cannot afford to be without another key defensive option.
With Kristiansen out, Leicester’s defense will likely be comprised of Caglar Soyuncu and Wout Faes, who have not always been reliable this season. This defensive pairing will be tested against a potent Arsenal attack.
Jannik Vestergaard is another key player for Leicester who is struggling with fitness ahead of the Arsenal match. The tall Danish defender has been dealing with ongoing fitness concerns, which have limited his availability. With Vestergaard potentially missing out, Leicester’s defensive depth is again under pressure. Vestergaard’s absence leaves Leicester with fewer options in central defense, and they will need to rely on Soyuncu and Faes to manage the aerial threats posed by Arsenal’s forwards.
Both teams face significant challenges with the injuries to key players, and the tactical setups for this Premier League clash will likely be shaped by the available personnel.
For Arsenal, the lack of Martinelli, Saka, and Jesus leaves Arteta with limited attacking options. The Gunners may have to play a more possession-based game, focusing on creating chances through their midfield with players like Odegaard and Xhaka. Arteta may also lean on players like Trossard and Smith Rowe to provide width and support to Nketiah in the absence of his attacking partners.
For Leicester City, the injuries to key defenders like Pereira and Kristiansen could mean that they will have to defend deeper, relying on counter-attacks to get the ball to Vardy or Daka. Rodgers will need to adopt a tactical approach that minimizes Arsenal’s attacking threat while trying to exploit their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in wide areas.
The upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Leicester City will be an intriguing match, but both teams are facing significant injury challenges that could impact their performances. Arsenal’s injury list is filled with key attacking players like Saka, Martinelli, and Jesus, while Leicester is also dealing with defensive and attacking setbacks. The tactical battle between Arteta and Rodgers will be one to watch closely, as both managers will need to adapt their strategies based on the available players.
While Arsenal will likely go into the match as favorites, the injury concerns leave room for surprises, and Leicester will certainly look to take advantage of any weakness in the Gunners’ lineup. With both teams dealing with absentees, this match could be decided by the players who step up in their absence and the tactical flexibility of the managers.
As always, the Premier League provides unpredictable excitement,
