Mikel Arteta has delivered concerning news regarding Arsenal’s injuries as the team prepares for their upcoming Champions League round of 16 matches.
The Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League have significantly diminished after a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal, who were already 11 points behind Liverpool before the match, now find themselves 13 points adrift after Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle.
While they have a game in hand, it seems unlikely they will secure the Premier League title, which puts more importance on their Champions League campaign to end the season with silverware.
On a more positive note, Myles Lewis-Skelly will be available for selection against PSV Eindhoven next week following a one-match suspension. However, Arsenal’s attacking options are still limited, and it seems they won’t be getting much-needed reinforcements for either of the round of 16 matches.
Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injured players:
Bukayo Saka
Saka has been out since tearing his hamstring during the December victory over Crystal Palace. There was initial hope he might return in time for the Champions League match against PSV after training in Dubai earlier this month. However, Arteta confirmed that Saka will be sidelined until after the March international break.
Potential return date: April
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli sustained a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle and was forced off in the 37th minute. Initially expected to be out for a month, Martinelli was a doubt for the Champions League match against PSV. Both he and Saka are set to miss the first leg of the round of 16 ties.
