In the wake of a triumphant 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League midweek, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta now finds himself facing a fitness conundrum as the Gunners gear up to take on struggling Burnley in the Premier League.
Currently occupying fourth place in the league, Arsenal is poised to make a push for the title, but they might have to do so without some key players.
One cause for concern is the condition of their star forward, Bukayo Saka, who sustained a knock. Arteta, however, remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “It was just a kick, and I was told by the physios on the radio that he wasn't happy to continue, so he will have some discomfort, but hopefully, I want to assume that he will be ok.”
The injury list doesn't stop there. Midfielder Martin Odegaard is battling a hip injury, while forward Eddie Nketiah is nursing a knock. Both players missed the midweek clash against Sevilla and are in a race against time to regain fitness for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley.
Defender Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury suffered in the first fixture of the campaign, and the return of Gabriel Jesus, who's grappling with a hamstring injury, is slated for next month. Furthermore, Thomas Partey and Emilie Smith-Rowe are currently sidelined with their return dates remaining uncertain.
With a mixed bag of injuries, Arteta and Arsenal face a challenging test in maintaining their promising league position as they aim to continue their ascent up the Premier League table.