Arsenal has a serious injury crisis right now, missing a number of important players from their starting lineup. The Gunners were without Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori in their most recent North London Derby victory over Tottenham. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, was pleased with his team’s 1-0 victory despite this.
In his post-match analysis, Arteta noted the challenges the team had because of the players who were absent but also commended their tenacity. “We suffered because we had to modify the plan due to the players that were available,” he stated. However, I adored it. The team became more and more eager to play that game as soon as we started hearing that information. It’s a huge compliment to all of the club members for their kind of leadership.” Arteta stressed that the team met the challenge head-on, displaying bravery and resolve to secure the victory, rather than searching for reasons why they couldn’t win.
But Arteta is aware that more difficult exams are coming up. On Sunday, Arsenal and Manchester City will square off in a Premier League match that could have a big impact on the race for the championship. Prior to that, they travel to take on the formidable Atalanta, winners of the Europa League, to begin their Champions League campaign. Even though Arsenal is favored, Atalanta proved they could surprise better teams by winning against Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool the previous season.
With a smaller team, Arteta will need to manage these next games. Thankfully, Declan Rice, who missed the North London Derby due to a suspension, will be making a comeback. With him in the lineup, Arsenal can probably go back to their preferred 4-3-3 formation instead of the 4-2-2-2 scheme they employed against Tottenham.
Regretfully, Martin Odegaard is still a serious doubt for Atalanta’s Champions League match. Odegaard will be evaluated closer to the game, according to Arteta, but it’s unclear when he will be available. After suffering a calf injury while playing for his country, Riccardo Calafiori is also optimistic about making a quick comeback, though it’s still unclear if he’ll be available for the next games.
Furthermore, Oleksandr Zinchenko was sidelined for the Spurs game due to a calf injury, and Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are all long-term absentees who will miss the games against Manchester City and Atalanta. Concerns were raised when Bukayo Saka was replaced late in the Tottenham game due to what appeared to be an injury; he will be evaluated prior to the trip to Italy.
Arsenal’s injury crisis will force Arteta to rely on his squad’s depth and come up with fresh strategies as they get ready for these important games.
