Arsenal Handed Boost With Key Players Nearing Fitness
Arsenal Injuries Create Early Season TurmoilArsenal’s quest for the Premier League title has suffered a significant early setback. A narrow defeat at Liverpool was compounded by the loss of William Saliba, the defender whose composure and consistency have been central to Mikel Arteta’s rebuild. Saliba was withdrawn within minutes of kick-off after aggravating an ankle issue in the warm-up, leaving supporters with familiar concerns about the depth of the squad and the fragility of key players.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThis was not an isolated blow. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined, creating one of the most testing moments in Arteta’s tenure. For a team built on rhythm, trust and defined partnerships, these injuries threaten to derail Arsenal’s early momentum.Saliba’s Sudden WithdrawalWilliam Saliba’s exit at Anfield arrived in cruel fashion. He had appeared ready to take his place in the starting line-up, only for an ankle problem to resurface during the warm-up. The Frenchman attempted to push through the pain but lasted less than five minutes.Arteta explained the situation afterwards: “He twisted his ankle during the warm-up, and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play. But straight away in the first two actions, I could see that he couldn’t cope, and we had to get him out, unfortunately.”AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementSaliba’s absence forced the introduction of Cristhian Mosquera, a Premier League debutant thrown into the intensity of Anfield. Arteta praised the youngster’s composure: “But thank God we had Mosquera, which we put in for the first time in the Premier League. His debut, not expecting it at Anfield, and I think he was really, really good.”The uncertainty now surrounds Saliba’s return. Arteta admitted his concern, adding: “I am because you cannot play a game of that stature. After you tried [to], that means that there is something wrong.” A potential timeline has not been confirmed, leaving Arsenal to plan without their defensive cornerstone for an indefinite period.Saka and Havertz Join Lengthening ListBukayo Saka’s hamstring problem provides another pressing concern. He picked up the injury during the win over Leeds, and Arteta confirmed the winger faces another few weeks on the sidelines. “It will be out for a few weeks, unfortunately,” the Arsenal manager said.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementSaka’s absence is particularly damaging given his importance to Arsenal’s attacking structure. Arteta tried to downplay the severity but could not hide his disappointment: “No, no surgery. It’s not as bad as the previous one. Obviously, very unfortunate to kick it off, he’s on the other side. It’s an action that requires full power from him. Then he clashed with the opponent, he needs to change pace again. And he felt something, so it will be out for a couple of weeks.”Photo IMAGOAsked to predict a return date, Arteta remained cautious. “I don’t know. Let’s see how he evolves in the next few days, few weeks. Repeat the scan and see where he’s at.” The likelihood is a return later in September.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementKai Havertz’s situation is even more complex. The forward, who had started brightly with a goal in the opening day victory against Manchester United, has undergone knee surgery. “It will be weeks, but I don’t know how many months. Very unfortunate, very sad for him,” Arteta explained. “He’s never had an injury before. And suddenly this happens, but this is our profession, our football. We need to live with that.”Pressed further, he admitted the word “months” was realistic. Surgery inevitably brings a longer timeline, and Arsenal cannot count on Havertz’s presence before the winter.White and Norgaard Nearing a ReturnNot all Arsenal injury news is bleak. Ben White and Christian Norgaard are both edging closer to returns. White, who has been out since the opening fixture, was rested as a precaution according to Arteta. Ahead of the trip to Anfield, the manager gave cautious optimism: “So that’s another two that we don’t know yet. Again [on Saturday] we have another day, let’s see how they evolve. And this is a chance to keep them involved in the game.”Photo IMAGOAdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementNorgaard, a summer signing yet to make his debut, has also been missing since pre-season. Arteta confirmed before the Leeds fixture that he would not be involved but hinted at a return after the international break. Both players could feature against Nottingham Forest on 13 September, providing Arsenal with much-needed reinforcements.Jesus Targeting Autumn ComebackGabriel Jesus remains the long-term absentee. His struggles with knee injuries have defined much of his Arsenal career, and a torn cruciate ligament in January’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United saw him undergo another major surgery.Supporters have followed his rehabilitation closely through social media updates, with Jesus recently posting footage of himself back on the grass. Arteta confirmed the progress: “Gabi is doing super well. I think he looks in a really good place. Obviously, it’s a massive injury, and we need to come from that in a really strong way, but certainly he’s in the right place and making very strong strides.”AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementA return this autumn appears most likely, but Arsenal know they must tread carefully with a player whose injury record has become a recurring theme.Arsenal’s Injury Challenges AheadThe scale of Arsenal’s injuries at this early stage poses a stern examination of their title credentials. Saliba’s loss destabilises a back line already without consistent rhythm, while Saka’s absence robs the attack of its most decisive outlet. Havertz’s surgery further limits options, and Jesus remains a longer-term project.The responsibility now shifts to the squad’s depth and resilience. Players like Mosquera will need to grow quickly, while others such as Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah must step forward in attacking roles. Arteta’s management will be as much about navigating these absences as it is about tactical adjustments.AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementFor supporters, patience may be required. Arsenal’s hopes of challenging depend not only on results in the coming weeks but also on how quickly their key figures can return and remain fit. Injuries have always shaped seasons, and this campaign is already proving no exception.
Latest Articles
