Former Premier League manager reveals who is really to blame for Arsenal injury issues this season

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Arsenal took on former Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest side as the Gunners looked to respond to the defeat to West Ham.

Martin Keown revealed positive injury news as the duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are nearing returns from hamstring injuries.

Mikel Arteta decided to replace Thomas Partey in midfield for Jorginho, whilst Ethan Nwaneri was fit to start after suffering with cramp against West Ham.

Arsenal’s injury crisis this season has really derailed their Premier League title bid but one pundit before the game has given his thought on who is really to blame for the capitulation.

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Martin O’Neill shares verdict on Arsenal’s injury crisis

Speaking on TNT Sports pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest, former Premier League manager Martin O’Neill has revealed who he thinks is to blame for the injury crisis at the Emirates Stadium.

O’Neill stated: “It’s their own fault because of what they should have done, they should have bought themselves a centre forward who is capable of scoring goals. Martin makes the point that you don’t legislate for injuries but that’s something I think you should do.”

The former Leicester and Aston Villa manager continued to lay the blame firmly at the feet of owner Stan Kroenke.

O’Neill explained: “I don’t know when they started to follow Watkins but if you’re thinking of getting Watkins out of Aston Villa two days before the transfer deadline on a January you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

O’Neill reveals Arsenal’s biggest miss this season

Bukayo Saka has been missing for the Gunners since late December and O’Neill was under no illusions as to how big of a miss he has been for Arteta’s side.

O’Neill joked: “I actually think Saka is the biggest miss for me, personally speaking if Saka is playing I think I could play centre forward and score a few goals for them.”

The England international had scored five league goals and created an incredible ten before injury disrupted a stellar campaign.

The Gunners will be desperate for Saka to return in time for the resumption of the Champions League, where PSV stand in the way of a quarter final spot.