Arsenal just can’t seem to catch a break on the injury front. Even with captain Martin Ødegaard’s recent return, the team is struggling to maintain a fully-fit squad, as shown in their thrilling London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were forced to leave the pitch due to injuries in Arsenal’s intense clash against Chelsea, with Saka subbed off in the 71st minute for Gabriel Jesus, and Rice following in the 81st minute, replaced by Mikel Merino. The game ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with Gabriel Martinelli finding the back of the net in the 60th minute for his third goal of the season. But Chelsea fought back, and after Enzo Fernandez’s impact off the bench in the 70th minute, he set up Pedro Neto for the equalizer.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta managed to take a point from the game but admitted his concern as two of his top players, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka who were injured during the derby. “What I’m praying for is that after the international break, we have the team fully physically equipped, that they are available, and that they are fit,” Arteta shared.
Reflecting on the injuries to two of his key players, he added that it doesn’t look good for two players who are that important to be forced out of a crucial game.
These setbacks add to Arsenal’s growing injury list, raising serious concerns over the availability of key players for crucial upcoming fixtures. As fans anxiously await updates on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, hopes are high that the international break will give the squad much-needed recovery time, allowing Arsenal to return to full strength for the remainder of the season.
