Arsenal are one of the teams left in the Champions League, so they’re in with a chance of winning it, but there are some serious obstacles standing in their way, such as injuries to key players. The Gunners have been in impressive form this season and secured a direct spot in the Round of 16 by finishing third in the league phase. But recent developments have cast doubt on their ability to maintain their momentum.
A major setback occurred recently when Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s top scorer with 15 goals and 5 assists, suffered a serious hamstring injury during a Dubai training camp. After having surgery, the German is now out for the remainder of the season, with his absence leaving a void in Arsenal’s attacking lineup.
Compounding the issue, other forwards are also sidelined. Gabriel Jesus is out with an ACL injury, Bukayo Saka is still recovering from an injury he sustained in December, and Gabriel Martinelli is dealing with a hamstring issue. These injuries have left manager Mikel Arteta with limited options at the top of the pitch, with only Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and teenager Ethan Nwaneri available to lead the attack.
The timing of these injuries is particularly challenging as Arsenal prepare for their Champions League Round of 16 game. Their potential opponents include the likes of Milan, PSV, Feyenoord, and Juventus. Facing such high-calibre opposition without key players will be a real test of the squad’s ability and resilience.
Despite these setbacks, there’s some belief and optimism about Arsenal’s prospects. UEFA Champions League betting indicates that the Gunners remain among the leading contenders, with a supercomputer prediction giving them a 24.3% chance of winning the tournament – the highest among all the remaining teams. This optimism is primarily based on how well they performed in the league phase.
However, the current injury crisis cannot be overlooked. The absence of key attacking players significantly hampers Arsenal’s offensive capabilities. The club’s decision not to bring in an additional forward during the January transfer window has come under scrutiny, especially in light of the current situation. This lack of depth could prove detrimental as the Champions League progresses.
The good news is that Arsenal expect both Saka and Martinelli to be back next month, and this could provide a timely boost. Arteta will just have to find a way to manage the next three or four weeks, which includes their Champions League games, and then he will be able to welcome back two of his key players and have the ability to rotate.
Arsenal have demonstrated the quality and determination required to compete with the best of the best in the Champions League. But the spate of injuries they’ve suffered is an issue. The team’s success in the upcoming knockout stages will depend heavily on the players who are fit to step up in Arsenal’s time of need. If they get through this period, not only will they be better for it, but it could put them on course to being Champions League winners this season.
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