Arsenal continue their position as one of the best teams for handling injuries in the Premier League, but some players spent significant time on the sidelines.
However, this is a far cry from how the club used to handle things. Gone are the days of the team constantly losing stars to injuries, now Arsenal are vying at the top of the Premier League for the best injury record.
Last season, they had the second-least total time lost through injuries among English top-flight clubs across all competitions owing to the improvements at the club.
5 – Emile Smith Rowe (Total: 46 Days, 10 Games)
Emile Smith Rowe had another season hit by injury issues at Arsenal last term. In the 2023/24 season, the midfielder missed out on an extended amount of time due to two different injuries. In October, he suffered a knee injury and then in February, he had a less serious ankle issue.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe from his parents to tattoo
But this is more injuries to a plagued career. He missed 121 days and 10 games in 2022/23, 91 days and 30 games in 2020/21 then a massive 141 days and 36 games missed in 2019/20.
This has seriously dented his progress in comparison to other peers who have also been products of the famous Hale End academy.
4 – Takehiro Tomiyasu (Total: 71 Days, 13 Games)
A double recurrence of his calf injury is worrying as it suggests this is a real weak spot for the important Arsenal defender.
In 2023/24, two separate calf issues combined for 71 days missed. The problem is that this is now four different calf issues in his career and thus going forward the club’s medical team will have to be mindful in managing the workload of the player so that it does not flare up again.
Last season, his absence was not as badly felt with the Arsenal squad being deeper. But it is an issue that Takehiro Tomiyasu cannot be depended upon for fitness throughout the season.
3 – Gabriel Jesus (Total: 85 Days, 16 Games)
Three separate injuries interrupted Gabriel Jesus’ season. But strength in depth at the top of the field meant that his absence wasn’t as badly felt as in the season before.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus from his height to girlfriend
The worry is that, much like Tomiyasu, these are recurrent injuries. It is now four knee injuries since December 2022 that have wiped out the Brazilian. A hamstring injury is also thrown into the mix that kept him out for almost a month, too.
A summer without the stresses of the Copa America is likely to benefit the player for the campaign ahead so that he can work on fitness and preventative measures to try and shake off these recurring issues.
2 – Thomas Partey (Total: 112 Days, 25 Games)
Thomas Partey has had issues since the start of his Arsenal career and last season was no exception.
In fact, the 143 days he spent on the sidelines were the second largest amount of time lost in his Arsenal career apart from the 2021/22 season where he lost 152 days. But last season his 34 games missed were the most he has ever lost in a campaign.
It is clear that the midfielder has a propensity for injury. Before joining Arsenal he had an almost clear record, but maybe the rigours of the Premier League have been too much for him to handle.
Partey’s injuries used to cause issues for the team, but the side have now been able to invest in cover. Ahead it might be best to move the midfielder on and get someone more reliable to be part of the elite midfield.
1 – Jurrien Timber (Total: 252 Days, 45 Games)
Suffering the dreaded ACL injury at the start of his Arsenal career was the worst way to begin things in north London for Jurrien Timber.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber from his height to his brothers
After effectively a whole season missed, the player will be turning his attention to the campaign ahead. There will be nervousness around managing the players load as an ACL is very susceptible to reinjury, but the defender is also needed in the Arsenal team.
Fans will be hoping that he breaks the usual trends and is back to form quicker than predicted.
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