The injury crisis tests Gunners squad depth as key quartet remain sidelined. With Arsenal going on unabated at the top of the premier league, the treatment room is casting an ominous cloud. The club has affirmed that four key first-team players including Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out due to knee injury. This injury crisis is a significant challenge and tests the of depth and strength of Gunners.
Midfield Maestro and Wing Wizard Sidelined
This is especially keenly experienced in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker is the inventive heart of the team. His organizing influence in the last third is almost impossible to replace. He is accompanied by the lively Noni Madueke who is threatening goals on a wing, though with the knee problem. The two of them together deprive Mikel Arteta of a fair share of creativity and guile. This compels a tactical restructuring in forward fields.
A Forward Line Disruption
The injury issues lie acutely on the forward line. Kai Havertz is a big loss with his physical presence and link-up play as the versatile attacking and midfield player has been used both in the midfield and attack. Above all, striker Gabriel Jesus still remains on the bench. The team has managed well without him, although his unmatched work pace, ability to press forward and experience in the big-games is something that no other member of the squad matches well.
A Test of Mettle and Resources
Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly supported the depth of his squad, and it is the time to give the verdict on the truth of this assertion. Others such as Cristhian Mosquera will require to rise to the occasion. The way Arsenal will be able to cope with this difficult time of losing their captain and the other major attackers may well determine how they can still manage to pursue a title without proving that their team is indeed in construction to last the long-run.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
