Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb promises to be crucial in their bid to secure a place in the knockout stages of the competition. The Gunners, having collected 13 points from six matches in their group, are currently in third place, trailing behind Barcelona and Liverpool. However, their primary focus is on continuing their strong form in Europe, especially after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Despite their Champions League aspirations, Mikel Arteta’s side has been plagued by injury concerns that have affected their form across multiple competitions. With only one win in their last five matches, the team faces a pivotal period, with both European and domestic duties demanding attention. Arteta must carefully manage his squad to balance the demands of European football with the critical Premier League fixture against Wolves just days later. To complicate matters further, the Gunners are dealing with a number of key injuries to star players, particularly in defense.
As Arsenal prepare for their penultimate group-stage match in the Champions League, here is a breakdown of the current injury situation at the club, focusing on the expected return dates for important players like William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Ben White.
Arsenal have faced significant challenges in defense following the injury of William Saliba, who has been a key figure at the back since his arrival at the club. Saliba’s ability to read the game, his physicality, and composure on the ball have been essential to Arsenal’s defensive stability this season. However, Saliba has been sidelined recently with a muscle problem that forced him out of several matches, including the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Although Arteta has not provided an exact timeline, the latest reports suggest that Saliba is expected to return to full fitness in early February, meaning he could miss both the Dinamo Zagreb clash and the crucial Premier League match against Wolves. His absence has put additional pressure on Arsenal’s remaining defenders, particularly Gabriel Magalhães, who has had to shoulder much of the defensive responsibility in his partner’s absence.
Arteta will likely rely on backup options, such as Rob Holding and Jakub Kiwior, to fill the void in Saliba’s absence, but Saliba’s return will be a much-needed boost for Arsenal’s defense.
Bukayo Saka has been a central figure for Arsenal this season, contributing both goals and assists in their attack. However, Saka has been struggling with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of recent matches. His pace, creativity, and ability to make key contributions in the final third have made him one of the most valuable players in Arteta’s squad.
Despite missing a few matches, Arteta has expressed hope that Saka’s injury is not as severe as initially feared. However, given the club’s current injury crisis, Arteta is expected to err on the side of caution and may choose to rest Saka for the Dinamo Zagreb match. The winger is likely to make his return in early February, meaning he could miss the European fixture but may be available for the Premier League game against Wolves.
Saka’s return will be vital for Arsenal’s chances of securing a strong finish to the season, as his attacking influence cannot be overstated. The Gunners have struggled without him in recent weeks, and his involvement will be crucial for Arteta’s push for silverware in both domestic and European competitions.
Ben White, another key player for Arsenal, has also been dealing with injury concerns. White has been a mainstay in Arteta’s system, providing defensive solidity while also offering attacking support down the right flank. The right-back has been sidelined with a hamstring issue that has kept him out of the team for several matches.
White’s injury leaves Arsenal without their first-choice right-back, and Arteta has been forced to make adjustments in the defensive line, with Takehiro Tomiyasu stepping in to fill the role. However, Tomiyasu’s natural position is at left-back, and the switch to the opposite flank has not always been ideal.
White is expected to return in early February, and his return will be crucial for providing stability to Arsenal’s backline, particularly with the added pressure of both domestic and European matches.
In addition to the injuries to Saliba, Saka, and White, Arsenal are also dealing with a few other minor injury issues. These players are not expected to miss significant time but could be unavailable for the Dinamo Zagreb match:
With the injury situation being as it is, Mikel Arteta faces a significant decision regarding how to approach the Dinamo Zagreb match. Arsenal are in a strong position in the group but must secure a win to ensure they remain in the hunt for qualification to the knockout stages. Arteta has options, but the team’s current injury crisis may force him to prioritize certain players for the match.
While the Champions League clash is important, Arsenal will also need to consider their upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves. With the Gunners currently struggling for form in the league, the Wolves match is critical to their hopes of finishing in the top four and maintaining a push for the title.
Arteta may choose to rotate his squad for the Dinamo Zagreb match, especially with some key players recovering from injury. Resting players like Saka and Saliba could be a wise move, as both are vital to Arsenal’s chances in the second half of the season. However, Arteta’s desire to progress in Europe could lead him to field a strong lineup, with the hope that they can secure a vital win.
Arsenal’s injury concerns remain a significant issue as they head into the crucial Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb. The absences of key players like Saliba, Saka, and White have disrupted Arteta’s plans, but the Gunners still have enough quality in their squad to secure a positive result.
With the Premier League also hanging in the balance, Arteta will need to carefully manage his players’ fitness and make strategic decisions regarding squad rotation. A victory against Dinamo Zagreb would put them on the cusp of qualification for the knockout stages, but securing key players’ fitness for the remainder of the season will be the top priority.
As Arsenal navigate these injury challenges, the team will be hoping for a quick recovery for their star players, especially as they aim to end the season on a strong note both domestically and in Europe.
