Arsenal’s nightmare run-in as Saka injury worsens and lightning strikes twice for Arteta

Arsenal’s nightmare run-in as Saka injury worsens and lightning strikes twice for Arteta

Arsenal's Premier League title bid has fallen apart since mid-February but there is still plenty for Mikel Arteta to fight for before the season draws to a close. The serious matters of welcoming their star player back into the fold, advancing past Real Madrid in the Champions League and sewing up second spot behind Liverpool are all high on the priority list with only two months remaining before the squad disperses for the summer.
With that in mind, Express Sport takes you through three things that would make up a nightmare run-in for the Gunners...

Bukayo Saka injury worsens

How Arsenal have missed their right-winger. Saka had racked up 15 goal contributions in 16 Premier League games before suffering a hamstring tear in December which has kept him sidelined ever since.

The 23-year-old is now in the final stages of his recovery and 'getting closer', according to Arteta. It is imperative that Arsenal handle his return with care, as they know what can happen if they do not.

Rushing Saka back into the action and throwing him in at the deep end risks worsening his injury and creating a recurring issue. That is the last thing the Gunners need ahead of a 2025/26 campaign in which they are expected to have another crack at the title.

Arsenal came unstuck against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last season. History repeating itself would be a nightmare scenario as Arteta tries to lead the club to its first semi-final since 2008/09.

They have managed to avoid Bayern this time round but the north Londoners' upcoming opponent is no less fearsome. And they will need all their wits about them to get past European specialists Real Madrid, who have won six of the last 11 Champions League titles.

The title is now out of the question for Arsenal, who sit 12 points behind Liverpool with nine games to play. With only one win in their last four Premier League games, their status as runners-up could also be under threat.

The Gunners have fallen agonisingly short against a brilliant Manchester City team in each of the last two campaigns. Losing out on the title again during a City lull is perhaps even more painful, and giving up second place to underdogs Nottingham Forest, who are only four points behind, would rub salt in Arsenal wounds.

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