Arsenal’s Premier League campaign this season has been overshadowed by a troubling pattern — injuries to key players in every single match they have played so far. What should have been a strong start filled with momentum has instead become a series of setbacks, with Mikel Arteta constantly forced to shuffle his squad. The consistency of these injuries has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, as it threatens to derail the rhythm and chemistry of the team.
The first blow came in the high-profile clash against Manchester United, where Kai Havertz suffered a knock that disrupted Arsenal’s attacking flow. The German international had started to look settled in his role, but his setback meant the Gunners had to adjust early in the campaign. Just when supporters hoped it was an isolated incident, the issue only grew worse in subsequent fixtures.
In the next league outing against Leeds United, Arsenal saw two of their most influential players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, pick up injuries. Losing the captain alongside their most dangerous winger was a double blow, leaving Arteta with fewer creative outlets. The absence of their flair and leadership in midfield created noticeable gaps in the team’s structure, as replacements struggled to replicate their influence.
The injury curse continued against Liverpool, where defensive rock William Saliba was forced off. Saliba has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league, and his absence left the backline exposed to one of the most lethal attacking teams in Europe. Without him, Arsenal’s defense looked shaky, highlighting how indispensable he has become to Arteta’s system.
The problems didn’t stop there. Martin Ødegaard, still struggling with fitness, was again sidelined in the match against Nottingham Forest. This repeated setback not only frustrated the player himself but also raised concerns about how well the medical team is managing recovery and workload. With the captain out more than once, questions have begun to circulate about squad depth and Arsenal’s reliance on a handful of star men.
And most recently, in their clash against Manchester City, Noni Madueke became the latest casualty. Though a relatively new arrival, he was expected to add dynamism and depth to Arsenal’s attack. His injury only compounds the crisis, leaving the Gunners looking stretched at a stage of the season where squad rotation is vital.
This growing injury list paints a worrying picture for Arsenal. If such misfortune continues, it may not only affect their Premier League title hopes but also their performances in cup competitions and Europe. For now, the team’s resilience will be tested, and Arteta will need to rely heavily on his bench strength to keep Arsenal competitive. Fans, meanwhile, can only hope this streak of injuries doesn’t become the defining story of their season.
