The international break is officially over for all of the Arsenal players out on international break.
Unfortunately, this was not a break that didn’t come with some ill-timed injuries.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie all returned to the Arsenal training center with some form of malady that required immediate attention. Whether or not these injuries prevent these players from taking the pitch in Southampton on Saturday remains a question mark for Mikel Arteta.
What really sucks is that these injuries took place in friendlies, or games that had no meaning to the national teams. As Arsenal prepares for a difficult run-in of fixtures in three competitions, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Unfortunately, the competition on Saturday is Championship side Southampton, who recently found form and remain unbeaten in their last 14 matches. So, obviously, this will not be a just show-up and win match for the Gunners.
I am sure this will be adjusted prior to Saturday, but at this point, this is my crrent proejcted line-up for Saturday…
[4-3-3]
Martinelli, Jesus, Dowman
Norgaard, Havertz, Lewis-Skelly
Calafiori, Mosquera, White, Timber
Kepa
The Gunners current injury list includes the four previously mentioned, plus 7 more.
This is not a great time in the season to have as many injuuries as the club has, but one must go on. It’s now Next Man Up!
Gunner1953
Arsenal Women will host Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in a WSL clash on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta reports Ben White could be ready and available to play on Saturday at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Football London is reporting Arsenal is keen on a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
Football Insider reports the Gunners will have no interest in selling Martin Zubimendi in January.
Mikel Arteta on signing a new contract, “We are all very much aligned. Whenever the time is right, we will get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about. We have the same ambition and the same will. Whenever we have the time, we will get that sorted.”
