Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leicester City on Saturday, but the break has done them no favours.
Instead of coming back refreshed, Mikel Arteta’s squad has been further depleted, with Kai Havertz ruled out for the season due to a hamstring injury.
The timing could not be worse. The Gunners are already without key players, and the lack of attacking reinforcements in January now looks like a major oversight.
Despite this, Arteta remains bullish. He insists his squad has the resilience to overcome setbacks, but this latest injury raises serious questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge.
Arsenal’s last outing was a disastrous 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final – a performance devoid of the energy that saw them dismantle Manchester City days earlier.
That loss means they are now fighting on only two fronts – the Premier League and the Champions League. Given their growing injury list, that may be a blessing in disguise.
Havertz’s absence is particularly problematic. His pressing, aerial ability and link-up play have been integral to Arsenal’s attacking structure.
Without him, Arteta scrambling for solutions. There has been speculation about Ethan Nwaneri playing up front.
Leandro Trossard or Declan Rice could be shifted into unfamiliar roles. None of these options is ideal.
The manager is adamant that his squad can cope. He has noted they have already played without William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka this season.
They have remained competitive, but there is a limit to how much a team can absorb before cracks start to show.
The gap to league leaders Liverpool is seven points, but Arsenal have been in this position before.
A post-Christmas surge propelled them last season into a commanding lead before injuries and fatigue caught up with them. If history is to avoid repeating itself, they need to adapt quickly.
Leicester will not be easy opponents. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
The Foxes have lost six straight league meetings with Arsenal, but records mean little when desperation kicks in.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League stretches back 14 matches, their longest since 2010-11.
Extending that streak will require a performance full of discipline and adaptability. The title race is still alive, but Arsenal’s resolve will be tested like never before.
This article was written by .
