Arteta Warns Arsenal Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Champions League Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that his team is in a “really dangerous circle” concerning injuries, following a series of setbacks that have intensified the club’s ongoing injury crisis. The latest blow comes with the announcement that 15-year-old Dowman will be sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during a behind-closed-doors friendly match on Saturday.

As a result of this injury, Dowman has been removed from Arsenal’s Champions League squad, preventing him from participating in the competition until the knockout stages. This setback follows a difficult weekend where Arsenal suffered a defeat to Aston Villa, further complicating their injury woes. Other players, including defensive trio Gabriel, Ben White, and forward Leandro Trossard are also unavailable due to injuries and illness, contributing to an already stretched squad.

Since the start of the previous Premier League season, Arsenal has recorded an extraordinary total of 95 injuries, ranking second only to Brighton. The current season has already seen 28 injuries, placing Arsenal among the clubs with the highest number of injuries in the league. When questioned about the possibility of overtraining his players, Arteta firmly refuted the claim, stating, “No, because we don’t have time to train. Today we’ve done 20 minutes, so surely it’s not because we over-trained the players.”

Arteta explained that the absence of key players leads to increased workloads for those who remain fit, which can create a “really dangerous circle.” He emphasized the need to differentiate between long-term injuries and acute ones, noting, “It’s something that we are constantly looking at. We have played a lot of games with a lot of players missing, and that puts a lot of stress, and then you get more injuries.”

Reflecting on Dowman’s injury, Arteta acknowledged the challenges young players face at this level. “It is part of the journey. At some point, when you play at this level, when you play in the position that he plays, it was going to happen, and it has happened,” he said. Arteta remains optimistic, indicating that the team will use this time to focus on Dowman’s development in professional football, including his physicality and understanding of the game.

In a rare piece of positive news for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus could make his long-awaited return against Club Brugge, marking his first appearance in 332 days. Jesus has been recovering from a serious knee injury sustained during Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round match against Manchester City on January 12, 2023. The club confirmed that the 28-year-old has been registered for their Champions League squad, taking Dowman’s place.

Jesus was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s recent matches, including a 1-1 draw last month and a subsequent 2-0 victory at home. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has been stepping up, with his last three appearances coming as a substitute after recovering from a groin injury.

As Arsenal prepares to face Club Brugge in the Champions League, the team is eager to rebound from their recent 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. The Gunners aim to secure their sixth consecutive win in the competition, hoping to navigate their injury challenges effectively and continue their pursuit of success in European football.