The Arsenal manager was typically vague when asked about an injury list that is mounting by the week when previewing his team’s Premier League clash with Burnley at the Emirates on Saturday.
Even despite the absentees, Arsenal will be strong favourites to beat a side that has only won against Luton Town and taken four points from their opening 11 matches this season, but having Bukayo Saka available would be a boost after his excellent performance in the Champions League in midweek.
Saka was in discomfort towards the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Sevilla and after initially attempting to play through the pain barrier was taken off, trudging slowly around the pitch as he made his exit.
“B[ukayo] had to leave the pitch because he was in quite a lot of pain,” Arteta said. “He didn’t train yesterday and let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”
The 22-year-old has been a fixture in Arteta’s team in recent campaigns, making a club-record 87 consecutive starts in the Premier League, before suffering a hamstring injury against Lens last month. Saka subsequently missed Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City as a result and has since completed the full 90 minutes just twice in the last six matches.
However, unlike Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, who could be out until the New Year with ankle ligament injury, he has not been withdrawn from England’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Saka is not Arsenal’s only injury worry. Arteta confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe will probably miss the game too, while Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are sidelined long-term.
In addition, he said: “There might be a few more. A few are still in contention. We need to give them 24 more hours to give them a chance to be involved in the game, but we won’t know anything until tomorrow.”
Club captain Odegaard is in that group having last started a game against Sevilla on 24 October. The Norwegian hasn’t featured since, besides a late goalscoring cameo against West Ham 10 days ago.
On Odegaard, Arteta added: “He’s still racing (against the clock). He’s trying everything that he can so let’s see. It’s a possibility.”Eddie Nketiah, who scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United at the end of last month, is another injury concern after being left out of Arsenal’s squad in midweek, while Gabriel Jesus has also not been involved since the game in Seville.
If no risks are taken over Saka, Odegaard and Nketiah, Arteta has some decisions to make regarding the make up of his attack.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Burnley
(4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Rice, Vieira; Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz
Gabriel Martinelli delivered arguably his best performance of the season against Sevilla and is assured of a starting place, assuming he is not one of the other players struggling with a knock.
Leandro Trossard also seized his chance to impress in midweek after being given a rare start by scoring Arsenal’s opening goal and will expect to retain his spot.
The Belgian may start as a False 9 again, but if Saka is out he could be shifted out wide to accommodate Kai Havertz through the middle. It is not a role that the £65m summer signing from Chelsea has played before, but one he is well accustomed to having played there for much of his time at Stamford Bridge.
If Havertz is moved out of midfield, Fabio Vieira is the likeliest candidate to take his place. Arsenal’s side may have a more makeshift look to it than usual, but Arteta will be confident in his squad players to step up and maintain pressure on league leaders Manchester City.
0 Comments