Arsenal Faces Growing Injury Crisis as Arteta Urges for Increased Rest
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach, has highlighted a significant injury crisis within the team, attributing it to an overwhelming fixture schedule. Following a recent 2-0 victory against Brentford at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s injury woes worsened with Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice both leaving the match prematurely.
Injury Issues Highlighted
In the match, which saw Arsenal maintain their five-point lead at the Premier League summit, Mosquera had to be substituted before half-time due to a potential knee or ankle injury. Similarly, Declan Rice exited the game with a calf issue just seven minutes from the final whistle.
Significant Players Missing
Arsenal has already experienced extensive absences this season, with key players including Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Magalhães, and Kai Havertz unavailable for long stretches. As they prepare for an upcoming clash against Aston Villa, the Gunners’ injury list is a growing concern.
Arteta’s Call for Change
Arteta voiced his frustrations during a recent press conference, emphasizing the need for the Premier League and European competitions to reconsider their scheduling. He stated, “It’s not just one thing; we can help the players and the league.” He urged for an extra day of rest, especially for teams competing in multiple tournaments.
- Mikel Arteta believes the current schedule is unprecedented.
- Injuries are affecting performance and squad depth.
- Arteta calls for a reevaluation of fixture congestion.
Merino’s Unexpected Contribution
Despite the injuries, Mikel Merino has emerged as a standout player, scoring his tenth league goal this season. Arteta expressed surprise at Merino’s influence, reflecting on his prior concerns about integrating summer signing Viktor Gyökeres into the squad.
Arteta remarked, “Throughout the summer, I worried about fitting in a new striker alongside my current players. However, injuries have simplified my choices.” He urged the importance of focusing on the present and adapting to ongoing challenges as they arise.
