Arsenal’s preparations for a crucial week, beginning with the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, have been overshadowed by a series of significant injury concerns leaving the club counting the cost of the Interlull.
Manager Mikel Arteta will have to navigate these challenges as the Gunners also face Atalanta in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League, making the next few days pivotal for the club’s season.
Arsenal’s injury list has grown significantly over the international break and includes several key players whose absence could impact the team’s performance.
Kieran Tierney, recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024, has resumed individual training. The Scotland international has been sharing updates on his progress via social media, showing he is running on the pitch at London Colney.
Despite this positive sign, Tierney is not yet participating in full team sessions. He is expected to return by the end of September or early October, potentially in time for Arsenal’s League Cup match against Bolton on September 25.
In a more uncertain situation is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since pre-season. Arteta indicated nearly a month ago that Tomiyasu’s recovery would take several weeks, but no specific return date has been confirmed.
The Japanese defender’s absence continues to be a concern for Arteta as the team faces a grueling schedule.
Gabriel Jesus, another crucial player for Arsenal, is making strides in his recovery from a groin injury sustained during pre-season.
There is hope that Jesus could return to action in time for the Tottenham clash on September 15, 2024. His presence would be a significant boost for Arsenal, given the critical nature of the upcoming fixtures. Despite Kai Havertz’s commendable form, Jesus’s return would provide much-needed support in Arsenal’s attacking lineup.
Midfielder Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad, is also on the injury list with a fractured shoulder.
Merino sustained the injury in training before making his debut, and reports suggest he may be out for a minimum of six weeks. This extended absence will see Merino miss key matches, including those against Tottenham, Manchester City, and in the Champions League.
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive concerns is Riccardo Calafiori, who recently joined the team.
The 22-year-old defender suffered a calf injury while playing for Italy in their UEFA Nations League match against France. Initially, the injury was considered minor, but further evaluations revealed it to be more severe.
Calafiori has been sent back to London for further assessment, and the timeline for his return remains unclear.
Finally, captain Martin Ødegaard’s situation is also precarious. Ødegaard sustained an ankle sprain during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on September 9, 2024. The injury occurred after a tangle with Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
Ødegaard was visibly emotional as he was helped off the pitch by teammate Erling Haaland. Although Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand described the injury as a small ankle sprain, Ødegaard’s availability for the upcoming derby and other fixtures is uncertain.
Then, of course, we have Declan Rice, who is suspended for teh game against Tottenham after his ridiculous red card in the final game before the break.
The Gunners’ ability to secure results in these matches will depend on how quickly injured players can return to fitness and how well the remaining squad members can step up. As it stands, Arsenal’s midfield looks set to be decimated for the game against Tottenham.
Arsenal fans will be watching closely for updates on the recovery of their key players as the team faces one of the most important weeks of the season.