Arsenal fans will be breathing a sigh of relief as their injury crisis begins to subside, with the Gunners set to welcome back five key players ahead of their Premier League showdown with Nottingham Forest.
After a challenging period of injuries and suspensions, Mikel Arteta’s side is starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and these returns could prove pivotal in their quest to regain momentum.
It has been a tough season for Arsenal, particularly when it comes to injuries. The Gunners have endured a series of setbacks, with key players sidelined for extended periods. Most notably, captain Martin Ødegaard has missed crucial games, leaving Arteta to patch together a team without the Norwegian playmaker’s influence. Arsenal’s defensive ranks have been stretched to breaking point, with the team’s recent match against Liverpool seeing an unlikely back four consisting of Thomas Partey, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The crisis worsened further when three crucial players—William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Declan Rice—all picked up red cards, adding to Arsenal’s already mounting injury woes. However, with the international break now behind them, Arsenal fans can finally look forward to the return of several important players, offering hope that they can bounce back from a frustrating month without a Premier League win.
1. Raheem Sterling Set to Make His Mark
One of the key returnees for Arsenal is Raheem Sterling, who has yet to truly find his feet at the Emirates. The England international has struggled to make an impact since his loan move from Chelsea, but this upcoming run of games could offer him the opportunity he needs to make a real contribution. Having missed Arsenal’s match against Chelsea due to his loan restrictions, Sterling is now set to be involved in the squad for the clash with Nottingham Forest.
Sterling arrived in north London with big expectations, but his early days have been marred by a lack of consistent game time and form. With his critics growing louder, the winger will be keen to prove his worth and repay the faith that Arteta has shown in him. A strong performance against Forest could help silence the doubters and cement his place in Arsenal’s attacking setup.
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2. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s Injury Concerns
Arsenal’s recent clash with Chelsea saw both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice forced off the pitch early, casting doubts over their availability for the upcoming fixtures. Arteta’s comments after the match were pessimistic, as the Arsenal boss admitted it didn’t look good when two influential players were unable to finish the game. Saka and Rice’s injuries were a major concern, given their importance to Arsenal’s tactical setup.
However, since then, there have been no reports suggesting that either player has suffered a serious injury, and it is hoped that both Saka and Rice will be fit enough to return for the Forest clash. The recovery of these two key players will provide Arteta with much-needed options, particularly as the Gunners look to find their first win in over a month in the league.
Saka, in particular, has been in sensational form this season, and his absence would be a major blow to Arsenal’s attacking output. Similarly, Rice has brought a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield, providing stability and leadership. The return of both players would offer a major boost as Arsenal look to regain their footing in the league.
3. Takehiro Tomiyasu Nearing Full Recovery
Arsenal’s defensive woes have also been exacerbated by injuries to key full-backs, particularly Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japanese international had hoped that his injury problems were behind him, but an unfortunate setback in the game against Southampton saw him sidelined once again. After undergoing additional recovery, Tomiyasu is now nearing a return to fitness and could be available for selection in the coming weeks.
His return is timely, given the recent injury to Ben White, who underwent a procedure to address a long-standing issue with his joint. Tomiyasu’s versatility and defensive solidity will be crucial as Arteta looks to shore up his backline ahead of crucial fixtures. With White potentially out for a period, Tomiyasu’s return provides a valuable option at right-back, especially with the Gunners already missing some key defensive players.
4. Riccardo Calafiori’s Return to the Left Flank
Another significant return for Arteta is Riccardo Calafiori, whose absence from the left-back position has been sorely felt, particularly in Arsenal’s recent defeat to Liverpool. The Italian full-back has been a key figure on the left side of Arsenal’s defense, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support. His injury has left a noticeable gap, with Gabriel Martinelli missing the support he usually receives from the left-back.
Calafiori’s return will be a welcome sight for both Arteta and Martinelli. With Ben White out, Arteta could move Jurrien Timber to the right-back position, allowing Calafiori to slot into his natural left-back role. This defensive reshuffle would provide Arsenal with a more balanced setup, improving both their defensive stability and attacking width.
5. The Importance of These Returns for Arsenal’s Season
With the return of these key players, Arsenal’s squad is starting to look much stronger. Arteta’s squad has been decimated by injuries and suspensions this season, but the Gunners now have the chance to field a much more complete lineup for their upcoming fixtures. The return of Sterling, Saka, Rice, Tomiyasu, and Calafiori could be the turning point Arsenal need to get their season back on track.
Arsenal’s form has been patchy in recent weeks, with the team struggling to find consistency. The Gunners are desperate for a victory, especially after going over a month without a Premier League win. The clash with Nottingham Forest provides a golden opportunity for Arteta’s side to build momentum and push back up the league table.
6. Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments and Player Returns
With the return of key players, Arteta will have more flexibility in his tactical approach. The return of Tomiyasu, for instance, allows the manager to consider a more balanced defensive setup. Calafiori’s return will offer Arteta a natural left-back, freeing up other players to focus on their attacking responsibilities. Likewise, the fitness of Saka and Rice will give Arteta the dynamic attacking and midfield options needed to break down teams and dictate the tempo of games.
This increased tactical flexibility comes at a crucial time, as Arsenal face a busy period of fixtures. Arteta will be eager to get his side back to winning ways, and with several key players returning to full fitness, Arsenal will be a much stronger force going forward.
7. A Boost for Arsenal’s Premier League Campaign
As Arsenal return to Premier League action with the Nottingham Forest match, the Gunners will be hoping that the international break has given their players the rest they needed. With key players returning to the fold, Arteta now has a much stronger squad to choose from, and the pressure is on to deliver a much-needed victory.
The match against Forest could be a defining moment for Arsenal’s season. The return of players like Saka, Rice, and Sterling will provide the attacking firepower needed to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest side. Meanwhile, Tomiyasu and Calafiori’s return to the defense will give Arsenal the stability they’ve been missing.
8. The Road Ahead for Arsenal
Arsenal’s injury woes have tested the depth of their squad this season, but with key players returning, Arteta will have more options at his disposal. The Gunners need to make a statement in their upcoming fixtures, and with a near full-strength squad, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. As the season progresses, Arsenal will be hoping to build on these returns and maintain the momentum needed to challenge at the top of the Premier League.
With important games ahead, Arsenal fans will be hoping that these returning players can make an immediate impact and help the team secure crucial points. The international break has allowed Arteta the chance to regroup, and now it’s time for Arsenal to show their true potential in the league.
