Arsenal Injury Concerns Loom Ahead of Chelsea Clash
Arsenal’s commanding 4-0 victory at Elland Road should have provided a sense of relief, signaling a return to form after a challenging stretch in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s team regained their rhythm and confidence, but anxiety lingered on the sidelines. Bukayo Saka, who was slated to start, was unable to take the field.
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As Arsenal pursues trophies on multiple fronts, the fitness of their key attacker becomes a priority. With Chelsea set to visit the Emirates for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals—where Arsenal holds a slender 3-2 lead—Arteta now faces an unwelcome dilemma at a critical time.
Saka’s Injury Sparks Familiar Worries
Saka’s sudden absence was both unexpected and concerning. He had been rested for the midweek Champions League win against Kairat and was anticipated to start against Leeds. However, during the warm-up, he encountered an issue and promptly left the field with a physio. Noni Madueke was called up on short notice and made a strong impression, but the potential repercussions remain significant.
Initial reports pointed to a problem with Saka’s left hip, though Arteta was cautious in his comments afterward. “He had a little niggle during the warm-up,” he stated. “He felt uncomfortable to start, so we quickly made the decision to replace him with Noni, who was prepared because you can’t make such changes with only two minutes to spare.”
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“The way he prepared and waited for his chance was evident today; he made a significant impact on the team,” Arteta remarked.
When pressed for details on the severity, Arteta simply stated, “We don’t know yet.”
This uncertainty will overshadow preparations for Tuesday’s match. Saka’s recent struggles with hamstring injuries raise additional alarms, and Arsenal will proceed with caution before making a decision about his availability against Chelsea.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Midfield Concerns as Merino Faces Foot Trouble
Alongside Saka, another notable absence was Mikel Merino, whose situation had not been disclosed prior. Arteta confirmed before the match that the Spanish midfielder is grappling with a foot injury that requires further evaluation.
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“He’s got an issue in his foot,” Arteta explained. “It’s related to a bone that’s causing him discomfort, and we need more specialists to assess the situation and determine his recovery timeline.”
Merino had already missed the previous Champions League match due to suspension and did not train prior, a detail that now carries greater weight. His availability for the Chelsea clash appears unlikely, with Arsenal waiting on scan results to establish a timeline.
Potential return date: Unknown.
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Careful Management of Dowman’s Recovery
Before Saka’s warm-up issue arose, the only confirmed injury for Arsenal was that of Max Dowman. The young midfielder, seen as one of the club’s top prospects, has been recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained during an Under-21 friendly against Manchester United at St George’s Park.
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Arteta has emphasized the need for caution in Dowman’s recovery. “It will take him a little longer than Cristhian Mosquera,” he noted. “He’s at a critical stage of his development, so we need to be particularly careful and protective.”
“He also has to balance school commitments, so we need to respect his schedule during this time. However, he’s making good progress and getting close to a return.”
Dowman is currently back on the pitch and improving steadily, but Arsenal will prioritize his long-term development over rushing his return.
Potential return date: February.
Balancing Selection at a Pivotal Moment
There had been grounds for optimism regarding player fitness. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber returned for the Leeds match, Kai Havertz played an hour, and Riccardo Calafiori logged his first league minutes since December. Arsenal seemed to be emerging from a challenging phase with newfound depth.
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However, Saka’s injury shifts that narrative. With a tightly packed schedule including matches against Chelsea, Sunderland, Brentford, Tottenham, and an FA Cup fixture against Wigan, Arteta’s ability to manage player health and minutes will be crucial in sustaining Arsenal’s momentum. The upcoming days will determine whether this setback is merely a short disruption or a deeper challenge to Arsenal’s resilience.