Arsenalâs injury woes have been steadily mounting as the season progresses. Mikel Artetaâs side have managed to remain competitive in the Premier League despite dealing with these setbacks, but itâs clear that the absence of key players could disrupt their challenge for the title. Heading into this match against Leicester City, the Gunners will be without six players, with four others remaining doubtful.
Gabriel Martinelli, one of Arsenalâs brightest young talents, has been struggling with a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United. The Brazilian forward has become an essential part of Artetaâs attacking setup, contributing both goals and assists. His pace, work rate, and pressing ability make him a potent threat in Arsenalâs fast-paced style of play.
Martinelliâs absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the teamâs attacking depth. With Bukayo Saka also out for an extended period (more on that later), Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his attacking options. Arsenalâs pressing game could be significantly affected, as Martinelli is one of the most energetic forwards in the squad.
Arteta has confirmed that Martinelli is undergoing rehabilitation and that his condition is being carefully monitored. The timeline for his return is still uncertain, and this could force Arteta to look to alternative sources of creativity on the wings. The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard will need to step up in his absence.
Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a key defensive player for Arsenal, especially in terms of his versatility and ability to cover multiple positions across the backline. His injury, sustained earlier in the season, continues to keep him out of action. While Tomiyasu has been recovering, Arteta has yet to confirm when he will be ready to return to full fitness.
The lack of Tomiyasu leaves Arsenal short on the defensive flanks. The 24-year-old is capable of playing both as a right-back and as a center-back, providing Arteta with a flexible tactical option. Without him, Arteta will have to rely on Ben White, who is not yet fully fit, or perhaps call upon Rob Holding to provide depth at the back.
Ben White has also been sidelined due to a knee injury. As a central defender, White has been instrumental in Arsenalâs solid defensive performances this season. He has formed a strong partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenalâs defense, but his absence leaves Arteta with limited options. Whiteâs ability to play as a right-back and provide offensive support down the flank has been missed.
Arteta has indicated that White is progressing in his recovery, but the player has not yet been cleared to return to full training with the team. With the Premier League clash against Leicester looming, the availability of White remains uncertain, and Arsenal may need to proceed without him.
Asenalâs standout performer of the season, Bukayo Saka, will also miss this crucial encounter. Saka has been the focal point of Arsenalâs attacking play, contributing goals and assists, and his creativity has been essential in breaking down opposition defenses. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury has kept the winger sidelined since late January, and Arteta has confirmed that Saka will not return until at least March.
Sakaâs absence is particularly significant due to his ability to create space on the wing, make key passes, and finish off chances. With Martinelli also out, Artetaâs attacking options are severely limited. This could mean that the responsibility of driving the attack will fall on the shoulders of players like Trossard, Smith Rowe, and perhaps even Gabriel Jesus (though he remains unavailable, as discussed below).
Gabriel Jesus has been one of the most important signings for Arsenal in recent years. The Brazilian forward brings both quality and work ethic to the team, offering something different to Arsenalâs attack with his pace, creativity, and movement. However, an ACL injury sustained earlier in the season has sidelined him for a significant period.
Arsenalâs attacking line has struggled in his absence, with Eddie Nketiah stepping into the starting role. While Nketiah has shown flashes of brilliance, he is not quite at the same level as Jesus, who offers a more well-rounded attacking presence. The absence of Jesus leaves Arsenal without their first-choice striker, and it has forced Arteta to adjust his tactics, relying more on the supporting cast to provide offensive firepower
Mohamed Elneny, the Egyptian midfielder, has been a reliable backup option for Arteta in the midfield. Unfortunately, Elneny has been ruled out due to a knee injury, further depleting Arsenalâs midfield options. Elnenyâs injury means that Arsenal will need to rely more heavily on the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka to hold down the midfield.
While Elnenyâs absence is not as high-profile as the injuries to key attacking players, it still impacts the overall depth of the squad. Elnenyâs ability to cover for Partey and Xhaka in defensive situations is a valuable asset, and his injury means that Arsenalâs midfield will be under more pressure than usual.
Leicester City, led by Brendan Rodgers, have been facing their own injury problems ahead of the match against Arsenal. The Foxes have struggled with consistency this season, and injuries have only compounded their difficulties. Like Arsenal, Leicester will be without a number of key players, which could have a significant impact on their ability to compete in this crucial Premier League clash