ST GALLEN, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta gestures during the UEFA Europa League group A match between FC Zurich and Arsenal FC at Kybunpark on September 8, 2022 in St Gallen, Switzerland.
Arsenal are just one day away from their return to Premier League action as they prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, but plenty of concerns have been raised over the fitness of their players.
The Gunners have been dealt a major injury blow as one of their most promising midfielders has been ruled out for two months, while the international break has left Mikel Arteta “in trouble” following a fresh injury concern to one of his star players. Elsewhere, the Spaniard has also been presented with a fresh William Saliba “problem”.
The Gunners have a growing list of injury issues ahead of Saturday’s North London derby vs Tottenham, with Smith Rowe now ruled out of that clash and for several weeks to come. A statement on the club’s website confirmed: “In recent months, Emile Smith Rowe has been experiencing discomfort in his groin, which has limited his training and match appearances.
“Following a significant setback at our Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 4, and after further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, Emile underwent surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.”
Arteta “in trouble” for Tottenham clash
Arsenal have been warned they could be in “trouble” when they take on neighbours Tottenham this Saturday by former Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre.
Mercurial midfielder Thomas Partey still has huge question marks over his fitness, after he withdrew from Ghana’s recent friendly against Brazil during the warm-up after feeling some tension in his knee. The same injury ruled out him out of his country’s next clash against Nicaragua just days later.
Instead of risking inflicting further damage to the problem area while away on international duty, Arsenal recalled Partey early so that their physio team could assess him themselves. Everyone associated with the Gunners knows how crucial Partey’s presence will be when Spurs make the short trip across North London.
After three loan spells away from the club before he’d even featured in a competitive clash for Arsenal, Saliba has finally been integrated into the first-team fold this season and has slotted in seamlessly. The 21-year-old has arguably been the Gunners’ most impressive player so far this term, adapting to life in the Premier League with ease.
With things going swimmingly at the Emirates, Saliba will have one eye on cementing his place in the France squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup. However, Gallas has expressed fears over the fact there isn’t a seasoned veteran playing alongside the young Gunner that he can learn from.
