Arsenal’s injury woes have escalated following the recent setbacks of Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a significant challenge as the team heads into a demanding festive period. With both key players sidelined, Arteta has made an admission that the Gunners may need to explore the transfer market in the upcoming January window. This article delves into the impact of these injuries on Arsenal’s squad, Arteta’s potential solutions, and the possible need for new signings.
Bukayo Saka Faces “Many Weeks” on the Sidelines with Hamstring Injury
The injury crisis for Arsenal began when Bukayo Saka, one of their most influential players, limped off during their recent victory over Crystal Palace. The English winger sustained a hamstring injury, and manager Mikel Arteta revealed that Saka would be out of action for “many weeks.” This setback comes as a major blow to Arsenal, who rely heavily on Saka’s attacking contributions. His speed, creativity, and ability to influence games from the right-wing position make him an indispensable player for Arteta’s side.
Saka’s absence will be felt not only in the Premier League but also in Arsenal’s ongoing campaigns in domestic cup competitions and Europe. As one of the standout performers for Arsenal this season, his injury leaves a significant gap in the Gunners’ attack. Arteta’s side will need to adapt and find new solutions to maintain their momentum in Saka’s absence, especially as they enter a critical phase of the season with several matches scheduled in quick succession.
Raheem Sterling’s Training Injury Adds to Arsenal’s Woes
To make matters worse for Arteta, the team has also been struck by another injury setback, this time involving summer signing Raheem Sterling. Sterling, who was brought in to provide additional depth and quality to Arsenal’s attacking options, was forced off in training with a knee injury. The extent of his injury is still unclear, but it has further depleted the team’s already limited options on the right wing.
Sterling’s arrival was seen as a key move to bolster Arsenal’s attack, particularly on the right side, where the team has often relied on Saka to deliver most of their offensive output. However, with both Saka and Sterling now sidelined, Arteta finds himself with no natural right-wing options heading into the busiest part of the season. This leaves the manager with a difficult decision: does he stick with the current squad or look to the transfer market for a possible solution?
Arteta’s Admission: A January Transfer May Be Necessary
Given the significant injuries to Saka and Sterling, Mikel Arteta has openly acknowledged that a January transfer may be required to bolster his squad. When asked about the possibility of bringing in new players, Arteta admitted that if a “unbelievable” option becomes available, the club would have to consider making a move. However, Arteta also stressed that any potential transfer would depend on the club’s willingness to make a deal and whether the right player could be found.
“We didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time,” Arteta said. “We predicted more it would be something else: for example, the defensive line. We started the season with one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League – we knew that.”
Despite this acknowledgment, Arteta was quick to emphasize that the team is well-prepared to handle the current situation, even without Saka and Sterling. He reassured fans that Arsenal has several players capable of filling in on the right side of attack, although none of them are natural wingers. Arteta’s comments suggest that the club is ready to adapt to the circumstances, but he remains open to the possibility of strengthening the squad if the right opportunity arises.
Arsenal’s Squad Options: Who Can Fill the Void?
In the absence of Saka and Sterling, Mikel Arteta has a few options within his current squad to cover the right-wing position. Although none of these players are natural right-wingers, Arteta is confident that they can contribute in this role if necessary.
Gabriel Martinelli
One of the first names that comes to mind is Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian forward has proven his versatility throughout his time at Arsenal, regularly featuring on the left wing but also playing on the right when needed. Martinelli has shown that he can be effective in both positions, and Arteta has already turned to him in the past to fill the right-wing role.
Martinelli’s pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals make him a solid option to replace Saka on the right side. He also enjoyed a strong performance there in the previous match against Everton, where he scored a goal and provided an assist. Arteta will likely consider Martinelli as a reliable option to step up and maintain Arsenal’s attacking threat during Saka’s absence.
Gabriel Jesus
Another player who could fill in on the right-wing is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward has played in various attacking roles for Arsenal, and although he is primarily a central striker, his technical ability and versatility allow him to operate in wider positions. Jesus has shown his willingness to drop deeper into midfield or drift to the wings, making him a potential option for the right side if needed.
While Jesus’s primary role is as a center-forward, his ability to adapt to different attacking positions gives Arteta the flexibility to use him in a variety of ways. Jesus could provide a different dynamic on the right, combining his work rate, movement, and creativity with the attacking unit.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard is another player who can fill in on the right wing. The Belgian international, who joined Arsenal from Brighton, has been deployed in a variety of attacking roles since his arrival, including on the right side. Trossard’s technical quality, vision, and ability to link up play make him a capable alternative in the absence of Saka and Sterling. His adaptability and experience in the Premier League also mean that he could slot in seamlessly and contribute to the team’s attacking play.
Other Possible Options
In addition to Martinelli, Jesus, and Trossard, Arteta also has other players who can be considered for the right-wing role, though they are not natural wingers. Youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri, who has impressed in limited appearances, could also be called upon to provide depth in the attacking areas. Kai Havertz, who has played a variety of roles for both club and country, could also feature in a wider position, depending on the tactical requirements.
The January Transfer Window: What’s Next for Arsenal?
As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s injury situation could prompt the club to seek reinforcements. Arteta has already indicated that he will be keeping a close eye on the market and is ready to act if the right player becomes available. However, the club’s financial considerations, as well as the difficulty of signing high-quality players mid-season, could limit their options.
Ultimately, whether Arsenal chooses to dip into the transfer market will depend on the progress of Saka and Sterling’s recoveries and the overall situation in the squad. If no immediate solutions present themselves, Arteta will likely rely on the versatility of his current players to cover the right-wing position until Saka and Sterling return to fitness.
Mikel Arteta’s admission that Arsenal may need to explore the transfer market following the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling highlights the challenges the Gunners face in the coming weeks. While the squad does have players who can cover the right-wing role, none of them are natural wingers, and the absence of two key attacking players leaves Arteta with limited options.
The upcoming January transfer window could provide the solution if Arsenal identifies the right player to strengthen their attack. However, with the club’s financial and squad planning considerations, Arteta will likely continue to rely on the versatility of players like Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard to fill the void. Arsenal fans will be hoping that the team can maintain its momentum during this challenging period and continue to push for success across all competitions.
