As Arsenal enters the final stretch of the Premier League season, the focus shifts toward European glory with a looming Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. However, manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with mounting injury concerns that threaten to derail his side’s ambitions on both fronts.
The Gunners’ upcoming fixtures will serve as a pivotal test of fitness, with domestic challenges against Fulham on April 1 and Everton on April 6 before their European showdown against Real Madrid on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium, followed by the return leg in Madrid just eight days later.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dwindling
With the team trailing Liverpool by 12 points in the Premier League, Arsenal’s title hopes are hanging by a thread. As a result, the Champions League provides not just a distraction from domestic disappointments but a potential avenue for redemption.
Bukayo Saka’s Recovery Key to Arsenal’s Hopes
The recovery of Bukayo Saka is a critical focal point for Arsenal in the coming weeks. The England winger, who has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury, has not played for the club in over three months, leaving a significant void in Arteta’s lineup.
During the international break, Saka stepped up his rehabilitation efforts, with Arteta noting: “He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress. Let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team and how he reacts.”
Saka has been gradually increasing the intensity of his training, including one-on-one sessions and ball work. Arsenal will be hopeful that the upcoming matches against Fulham and Everton will offer the necessary match fitness to prepare him for the crucial European fixtures ahead.
New Injuries and Setbacks for Arsenal
While Saka inches closer to a return, other players have suffered setbacks. Defender Riccardo Calafiori has been added to the injury list after suffering a knee injury during Italy’s Nations League match against Germany. The 23-year-old was immediately sent back to Arsenal for further evaluation.
The Italian Football Federation confirmed that Calafiori would not feature in Italy’s second-leg match, and it remains unclear when the left-back will be available for Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber Expected to Return Soon
There is more positive news regarding Jurrien Timber, who had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to illness. The versatile defender is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s clash with Fulham on April 1, which would provide a much-needed boost to Arteta’s defensive options.
Long-Term Injuries Add to the Burden
Arsenal has been plagued with long-term injuries this season. Kai Havertz is out until the summer of 2025 following surgery on a hamstring injury sustained in Dubai. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s season was also cut short after undergoing knee surgery.
“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure, and it carries on a bit more, but I won’t give up,” Tomiyasu shared on social media.
Striker Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained in January, and there is no confirmed timeline for his return.
Injury Summary:
-
Bukayo Saka: Hamstring injury, expected to return in April 2025.
-
Riccardo Calafiori: Knee injury, return date unknown.
-
Jurrien Timber: Illness, expected to return on April 1, 2025, against Fulham.
-
Kai Havertz: Hamstring surgery, return expected in summer 2025.
-
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Knee surgery, return date unknown.
-
Gabriel Jesus: Knee surgery, return date unknown.
As Arsenal prepares for their most defining matches of the season, Arteta’s tactics will be shaped not only by strategic considerations but by the unpredictable nature of player fitness and recovery. With key players on the mend, the coming weeks may determine whether the Gunners can salvage their season or face further disappointment.
Related Topics
