Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a severe injury crisis involving over ten senior players, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, as the club prepares for a defining week in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Arsenal’s title charge has been severely hampered by an international break “injury crisis” affecting key stars like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Both withdrew from England duty for medical assessments, with Thomas Tuchel admitting Rice is “on the edge” of his fitness.
They join a crowded treatment room alongside Martin Odegaard and William Saliba as the Gunners prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Southampton.
The crisis extends to Noni Madueke, who suffered a knee injury against Uruguay, and winter signings Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie.
Defensive stalwarts Gabriel and Saliba also missed international fixtures due to recurring pains.
Regarding the workload of his stars, Tuchel noted: “I am also not willing to take any risk… it’s a moment of the season where the health of the players is the highest priority.”