Mikel Arteta's Premier League title ambitions have been dealt a significant blow as Arsenal face an escalating injury crisis during the most critical phase of the season. The Gunners are preparing for their final two matches without three key first-team players, creating major selection headaches for their Spanish manager.
Defensive Woes Mount for Title-Chasing Gunners
Jurrien Timber's ongoing absence continues to concern Arsenal medical staff, with the Dutch defender still unavailable for selection. The £38 million summer signing from Ajax has been sidelined since August with an ACL injury and isn't expected to feature again this campaign.
Compounding Arteta's defensive problems, Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out of Sunday's trip to Old Trafford. The influential defender suffered an injury during training this week, leaving Arsenal's backline significantly weakened for the crucial encounter against Manchester United.
Attacking Threat Also Diminished
Further up the pitch, Gabriel Martinelli joins the growing treatment room occupants. The Brazilian winger picked up a knock that will keep him out of contention for the Manchester United clash, though there remains hope he could return for the season finale against Everton.
These fresh setbacks come as particularly untimely given Arsenal's position in one of the most thrilling Premier League title races in recent memory. With just two games remaining, every available player could prove decisive in determining where the trophy ends up.
Arteta's Selection Headache
The absence of Gabriel Magalhaes likely means Jakub Kiwior will partner William Saliba in central defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu could fill the left-back position. In attack, Leandro Trossard is expected to deputise for the sidelined Martinelli.
Arteta now faces the challenge of rallying his depleted squad for what promises to be a monumental test of their championship credentials. With Manchester City breathing down their necks, there's absolutely no margin for error.
Arsenal supporters will be desperately hoping for positive news on the injury front as their team prepares for a season-defining week that could end their twenty-year wait for Premier League glory.
