Arsenal’s Injury Dilemma: Arteta Calms Fears As Saka And Rice Passed Fit Ahead Of Brentford Clash

As Arsenal’s season enters its decisive phase, mounting injuries have threatened to undermine the Gunners’ title ambitions and Champions League pursuits. With star duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice emerging as fresh doubts following a triumphant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, questions have swirled about squad depth, fatigue and the relentless demands on Premier League elite. Yet, manager Mikel Arteta has offered reassurance at a pivotal moment — confirming both players are fit to feature in this weekend’s crucial tie against Brentford.

The injury debate is as old as football itself, yet former Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has added his voice, pointing to the gruelling schedule faced by Europe’s top clubs. “Almost every big team has had problems with injuries. I believe it's just down to the amount of games,” Sokratis explained in a recent interview. He highlighted the unseen burdens — the constant travel, intense training and the need to recover rapidly for the next challenge. This season, in particular, Arsenal have found themselves 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool with only seven matches remaining — a shortfall many attribute to their ongoing injury troubles, especially among attackers.

In midweek, Rice’s two stunning free-kicks propelled Arsenal past Champions League holders Real Madrid, but he was forced off with an apparent foot problem. Saka, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since December, also limped off after a vigorous challenge, prompting fresh anxiety. Arteta’s post-match update quelled those fears, stating confidently: “Declan and Bukayo are both fit. It was a matter of kicks but they are available tomorrow.”

This will come as welcome news to Arsenal supporters, who have grown accustomed to late-season nerves. The manager’s approach remains uncompromising, with little appetite for rotating his top talents despite the proximity of the season-defining second leg in Madrid. “This is our context — play every three days and play in different competitions on the biggest stages,” said Arteta. “If you want to become a team that has the capacity to win in any of those, then you have to do it every three days, regardless of the scenario.”

Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori continues his recovery from a knee injury, and there is hope that Kai Havertz could return to action before season’s end, having been sidelined since February. Arteta remains optimistic, pointing to the club’s expert medical team and the players' determination to rejoin the battle for silverware.

Despite trailing Liverpool, Arteta clings to the mantra that “there is always a chance,” reminding his squad and supporters alike that their only task is to win every remaining match and apply pressure at the summit. In a campaign where the margins have been defined by injury absences and resilience, Arsenal’s fate may yet hinge on keeping their key men fit through the final weeks.

Will Arsenal’s resolve and newfound health prove decisive as the title run-in intensifies? Sound off in the comments with your predictions, and share how you see the season unfolding. Who is Arsenal’s most indispensable player — and can the Gunners defy their injury woes to finish on a high?

• Bukayo Saka
• Declan Rice
• Mikel Arteta

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