Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear over Arsenal injury crisis after Sunderland setback

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed he needs players back from injury after his side’s winning run came to an end at the hands of Sunderland.

The Gunners had to battle through a tough match at the Stadium of Light, where former academy star Dan Ballard gave the hosts the lead.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard helped Arsenal complete a second half turnaround, but there was still a twist in store.

Brian Brobbey’s injury-time equaliser ensured that Mikel Arteta had to settle for a point, with the Premier League title race still wide open.

Now the international break is here, the Gunners are hoping to have some key stars back in action.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal’s injured players back soon

Arsenal’s struggles with injuries are not a new thing, as the past few seasons have shown.

The squad depth that has been provided to Arteta in the form of a busy summer transfer window has helped somewhat, but the team is running on empty once again.

That was shown late in Arsenal’s draw with Sunderland, with plenty of tired players struggling to get themselves through the 90 minutes.

Arteta was criticised for his lack of substitutions, making just one in the end, but it’s clear that the Arsenal boss wants his full squad available once again.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said after the game: “We’re very limited with the options we have but this is the season as well, you’re going to go through those periods, but we’ve still done really well, so credit to the team.”

In a later interview, Arteta also said that he needs players to return after the international break.

He said: “We have to continue to improve, recognise what we’ve done in the last period.

“International break, we need to get players back because we are missing seven players in the front line for the last two months, so big credit to the team and what they’ve done as well.”

Arsenal are currently without six attacking options, with the forwards from the bench all being academy stars.

Arsenal injuries and return dates

While Arsenal have a largely fit backline and midfield, the forward line is a clear issue for Arteta when it comes to injuries.

Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino were the only fit, senior options at his disposal to take on Sunderland.

Given the way Arsenal like to press, the lack of other stars to come on and inject energy was a clear problem that could be remedied with some returns.

Fortunately, there could be returns for Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli over the two-week break.

It could come just in time too, with the North London Derby coming up, alongside clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea.