Arsenal’s Injury Crisis Over Crucial Clash with Manchester United

Arsenal’s amazing form faces its biggest challenge yet as they take on a confident Manchester United this Wednesday.

December 3, 2024
6:21 pm

Arsenal has a tough challenge ahead with their big Premier League match against Manchester United on Wednesday night. The Gunners are on a roll, but a growing injury crisis could throw a wrench in their plans.

Mikel Arteta’s team has been on fire since the international break, scoring 13 goals in three big wins over Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon, and West Ham. With Martin Ødegaard back in action and Bukayo Saka bringing the energy, Arsenal has climbed to second place in the league. But facing a confident United, led by Ruben Amorim, won’t be easy.

United comes to the Emirates feeling great after a 4-0 thrashing of Everton on Sunday. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee were among the scorers, showing they can be a real threat. Unfortunately, Arsenal might have to play without six key players.

Defensive Woes for Arteta

One big worry for Arsenal is centre-back Gabriel Magalhães. He’s been crucial lately, scoring in back-to-back wins, but had to leave both games early. He took a hit to the head against West Ham and was subbed off at half-time due to discomfort from a previous injury in Lisbon.

Click the link below for the best odds and exclusive welcome bonus!

Arteta downplayed concussion worries but said, “It was related to the previous injury he had in Lisbon… with the result and the niggle he’s feeling, we decided to take him off.” Gabriel’s hopeful Instagram post — “See you on Wednesday!!” — gives fans a bit of hope, but it’s still unclear if he’ll play.

Adding to Arsenal’s defensive troubles, Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Ben White (long-term knee injury) are both out. Riccardo Calafiori is also dealing with fitness issues and was replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko during the West Ham match.

Midfield Worries

The injury list doesn’t stop there; midfielders Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino are also doubts. Neither played in the weekend’s win, and Arteta confirmed they’re both injured. Partey has a muscle issue, while Merino is recovering from a knee problem.

Arteta likes to keep fitness updates under wraps, leaving fans in suspense until the last minute. We might get a clearer idea during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

As Arsenal gets ready to take on Manchester United, the stakes are super high. Both teams will want to show who’s boss, but for Arteta, dealing with these injury challenges could be key to chasing Premier League glory.