Arsenal’s decision not to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window could prove to be a costly one. Manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with a major injury crisis with key players Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all ruled out.
Arsenal have been hit with a significant injury crisis just as the season enters its run-in. The Gunners have lost three key first-team players to injuries of varying magnitudes, suffering a massive blow to their top-four hopes in the process.
Tierney’s diagnosis is the worst of the three. The left-back damaged his knee in training, and, as a consequence, missed out on the side’s recent 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Worryingly, the defender will require surgery on his knee, thus, ruling him out at least until the end of the season.
Reports since claim that he is a doubt for Scotland’s FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal, and potentially final, against Ukraine and Wales, respectively.
Arsenal are also sweating profusely over the fitness of central midfielder Partey, who has been one of the Gunners’ best performers this season, forming a key partnership alongside Granit Xhaka at the base of the midfield. The Ghanian will undergo a scan on his right thigh after aggravating it during the game against Palace; his injury layoff is not yet known.
As for Tomiyasu, there is some good news on that front for the Arsenal faithful. Sidelined since February, the Japan international is expected back in training following the Gunners’ league game against Southampton on April 16. Nevertheless, he will miss out on key fixtures against Brighton on April 9 as he continues his recovery to be fit in time for the end of the season.
Arsenal are hoping to return to the Champions League after a four-year-long absence. They are presently fifth in the table, behind rivals Tottenham on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand – which they are due to play away at Chelsea in the coming weeks.
