How Mikel Arteta can combat Arsenal injury crisis, boost title chances and protect Bukayo Saka

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Mikel Arteta will need to manage his Arsenal squad carefully throughout the course of this campaign.

Arsenal will be aiming to launch another title tilt this season. However, if the Gunners are to be crowned champions, then Mikel Arteta will have to guide his squad through a hectic fixture schedule. 

Arteta has already had to deal with an injury crisis this season, and the North London club are still without captain Martin Odegaard. 

Gabriel Martinelli suffered an injury scare recently, as did Bukayo Saka whilst on international duty with England. 

If the Gunners are to achieve their aims for this season and avoid too many costly injuries, Arteta will have to rotate his starting XI regularly and show faith in his squad.

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Three Arsenal players who need more game time

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri is one of the most exciting youngsters to have emerged from the Hale End academy system recently, and is clearly ready to compete at the highest level now. 

Nwaneri has excited Arsenal fans this season, and needs opportunities to maintain his development. Arteta needs to be cautious not to heap too much pressure on the teenager too soon, but the youngster has now earned the right be involved more regularly.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Like Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly is a homegrown talent with huge potential. Able to play in the middle of the park and at left-back, the 17-year-old offers useful cover for the manager. 

Lewis-Skelly already possesses great maturity in his play, and all the indications are that Arteta can trust him to step up and deliver when called upon. The Spanish coach now needs to show faith in the youngster.

Raheem Sterling

Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day at the end of the recent summer transfer window, but the 29-year-old winger has started just one Premier League game for the Gunners so far. 

Arteta will know all about Sterling’s quality, having worked with the player at Manchester City. The 82-cap England international can deputise for Saka, and Arteta needs to afford the younger winger a rest whenever he can.

Arsenal will need Saka to be fit and firing on all cylinders for their biggest games this season, and Sterling can be used to afford the 23-year-old some protection, ensuring that he doesn’t burn out before the business end of the campaign.