Mikel Arteta's Premier League title ambitions have been dealt a significant blow with captain Martin Ødegaard becoming the latest addition to Arsenal's worrying injury list.
The Norwegian playmaker was conspicuously absent from international duty, remaining in London to receive treatment for an ongoing foot problem that has plagued him in recent weeks.
Title Race Tension Mounts
With the crucial Manchester City encounter looming on March 31st, the timing couldn't be worse for the Gunners. Ødegaard's creative influence has been instrumental in Arsenal's impressive campaign, making his potential absence a major concern for the title run-in.
Arteta faces an anxious wait to determine whether his skipper will be fit for what many are calling the potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium.
Growing Treatment Room Concerns
Ødegaard isn't alone in the medical room. The North London club are currently monitoring several key players:
- Bukayo Saka - Withdrawn from England duty with a minor muscular issue
- Gabriel Martinelli - Racing against time to recover from a foot injury
- Gabriel Magalhães - Forced to withdraw from Brazil's squad
- Takehiro Tomiyasu - Also missing international commitments
The concentration of injuries among attacking players presents Arteta with particular selection headaches as he prepares his side for the run-in.
International Break Frustration
While the break typically offers managers respite, Arteta has spent the period anxiously monitoring his walking wounded. The absence of so many key figures from international duty underscores the severity of Arsenal's current fitness crisis.
All eyes will be on London Colney over the coming days as the medical team works tirelessly to prepare players for what could define Arsenal's season.
