Mikel Arteta wrestling with several Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Shakhtar
October 22, 2024
Mikel Arteta is still juggling a number of Arsenal injury concerns ahead of the Champions League showdown against Shakhtar Donetsk, even though four players overcame fitness hurdles to play against Bournemouth. Fortunately for Arteta, Thomas Partey, Ben White, and Kai Havertz all began the game against Bournemouth even though they had both departed international service early.
During the first half of this match, William Saliba was sent off. Despite some key players playing, the Gunners suffered their first loss of the season. Gabriel Martinelli, a Brazilian, came off the bench in this match after suffering a calf injury while playing for his country.
Prior to the defeat at Vitality Stadium, Arteta made a positive comment, but Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were sidelined by injury.
What he said about Saka was, “It’s not a serious injury, and he’s evolving well.”
Timber was left off the roster, although White started the game with defender Zinchenko on the bench.
“They are closer and both progressing really well. Martin is still not fit,” Arteta told reporters. “With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and in the training session that we have later on.”
It would be reckless of Arteta to risk either player missing training little over 24 hours before their next game, especially because they have a pivotal fixture against Liverpool coming Saturday. Takehiro Tomiyasu was also absent against Bournemouth following what appeared to be an injury setback.
Kieran Tierney is also recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024. Arteta will be missing five players in the crucial Premier League fixture this weekend as Saliba serves his one-match suspension. Shakhtar