Arsenal Injury Crisis Deepens as Five Stars Withdraw from International Duty
Arsenal's hopes for a quadruple were dashed on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The Gunners, far from their best, now face mounting injury concerns as five first-team players have withdrawn from international duty during the break.
Growing Injury List at Emirates Stadium
The north London club confirmed that Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel have all pulled out of their respective national squads. This adds to an already significant injury list, with captain Martin Odegaard missing the last seven matches and Mikel Merino sidelined long-term, potentially for the rest of the season.
Eze was a surprise absence from the Carabao Cup final squad, visibly dejected in the stands as he watched his boyhood club lose. He had scored a crucial goal against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the week but was substituted due to a calf issue. Manager Mikel Arteta stated that the club "tried everything" to get him fit, but Eze will now undergo a scan in the coming days and has withdrawn from the England squad.
Defensive Blow with Saliba and Timber
William Saliba, who performed admirably against Erling Haaland in the final, has withdrawn from the France squad due to recurring pain in his left ankle. The French Football Federation announced he requires treatment and a minimum rest period of ten days.
Jurrien Timber has also pulled out of the Netherlands squad after missing recent matches against Leverkusen and Manchester City with an ankle injury sustained against Everton. Initially named in Ronald Koeman's squad for friendlies, he withdrew on Sunday evening.
Arteta's Update on Returns
Arteta suggested that Timber and Odegaard might return after the international break, telling reporters, "They couldn't make it, so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let's see after the international break if we have anybody back."
On Monday, it was confirmed that Leandro Trossard and Gabriel joined the trio in withdrawing from their international camps. Gabriel is out due to pain in his right knee, while Trossard has an unspecified fitness issue.
This injury crisis comes at a critical time as Arsenal aims to challenge Manchester City in the Premier League title race after the break. The club will hope the fortnight allows for recovery, but the loss of key players could impact their domestic and European ambitions.
