Arsenal remain blighted with injury issues as a handful of key players are ruled out of tonight’s Europa League clash against Norwegian side Molde.
Gabriel Martinelli is a notable absence for the Gunners. The 19-year-old Brazilian prospect, hailed as “very talented” by manager Mikel Arteta, suffered a knee injury in June which was expected to keep him on the sidelines until early 2021.
However, he has made a faster than expected recovery and Arsenal received a boost as he recently returned to light training. That will undoubtedly raise hopes that he will soon get back on the pitch for the Gunners.
“I’m feeling very well, I’m regaining confidence and I can feel my knee is better,” the Brazilian recently told Arsenal’s official website, via The Mirror.
Pablo Mari remains out, with the former Flamengo man also only just back in light training as he looks to regain fitness. The 27-year-old is undergoing what The Mirror described as a ‘strengthening programme’.
Much like Martinelli, Calum Chambers is another player who is making a rapid recovery despite fears he would be out until the new year. The former Fulham loanee is back in training and working towards full fitness.
However, David Luiz remains out for the foreseeable future. He has been suffering from a debilitating thigh injury since the Gunners’ defeat to Leicester last month. It is currently unknown when he will be back in action, raising question marks as to whether he can make an impact soon for Arteta’s side.
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It will be reassuring for Arsenal fans to see largely positive updates coming out of the club. The depth of the squad will be supplemented nicely by the return of some familiar faces.
In the short term, Arsenal can push on in the Europa League and Premier League with their current options – but as fixtures become increasingly congested, one may expect a rise in injuries.
Arsenal being able to better leverage squad depth may well make the difference in games of fine margins.
