It’s another blow to Arsenal’s forward line in a season already ravaged by injuries. New signing Noni Madueke picked up a knee injury in the most recent game against Manchester City. The defeat leaves the Gunners facing an uphill challenge. They are currently weathering a shocking total of 12 injuries to their forwards all occurring over the last nine months. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Madueke will be out for “a few weeks” at least. This news does not bode well for the team’s attacking options.
Madueke’s injury came just 45 minutes into the TUC’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. He was subbed out at halftime, with Bukayo Saka replacing him. This swap was made more remarkable by the fact that Saka had only just returned from hamstring injury himself. The ongoing injury crisis has raised questions about the overall fitness of Arsenal’s attacking players and their ability to contribute effectively for the remainder of the season.
A String of Setbacks
The Gunners’ troubles finding the back of the net increased with Gabriel Jesus’s long-term injury. He can only come back in a best case scenario, maybe playing only two weeks total in all of 2025 because of the knee injury. Perhaps the most pressing predicament Arteta has faced is constructing a constantly fluctuating squad chemistry and roster.
Kai Havertz has not been too far removed from serious injury. Consequently, he has featured for under 45 minutes of Premier League action in the last half year. Arteta could not say how long Havertz might be out, adding: “I don’t know if it was weeks because it’s Kai. He’s a different specimen. He’s optimistic for Havertz’s quick return too, saying, “So far, he’s progressing really well and we want him back for the long term. Despite this optimism, Havertz’s absence still puts extended pressure on the already beleaguered forward line.
Unfortunate for them, earlier this year, Gabriel Martinelli added his name to that list. He had a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a month, between February and March. Since March, Arsenal’s forwards have been unable to get the ball into the net, with just 12 goals from the attack. This awful performance brings into clear view the overall high number of injuries they have sustained since 2014.
Ongoing Concerns for Arteta
In truth, Mikel Arteta’s tactical decisions have been shaped by the injury crisis. In their last two matches, he decided to put Kai Havertz in midfield. At the same time, Declan Rice remained glued to the bench. This decision is indicative of Arteta’s worry to keep a competitive squad given the persistent injury problems.
The manager gave an update on Piero Hincapie, who is still dealing with a groin injury. Arteta conceded that’s looking short-term at least, but every injury mounted continues to add to that ever-growing list and outweighing the positives. He’s picked a bit of a groin injury up.” Arteta said, underscoring the constant complications that have plagued his squad so far.
For years Arsenal has battled against the odds to ice truly competitive teams. Have you gotten hurt at least once per game on the season? This disturbing trend raises questions about player training. It underlines the significance of squad depth as they gear up for a season of campaigning on home soil and across Europe.
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