Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must “get players back” after their late 2-2 draw at Sunderland left a dent despite a strong position in the league.
‘Missing Seven in Attack’ – Arteta on Arsenal’s Injury Woes After Sunderland
Arsenal moved seven points clear of nearby challengers Manchester City following their game at the Stadium of Light, but the margin could shrink after City’s fixture tomorrow.
Although the Gunners fought back courtesy of a fine finish from Bukayo Saka and a thunderous strike from Leandro Trossard, they conceded in stoppage time when Brian Brobbey popped up in the 94th minute.
In his post-match comments, Arteta highlighted the injury crisis in his attacking department, noting that the club have been without seven frontline players for around two months.
“We have to continue to improve, recognise what we’ve done in the last period…
International break, we need to get players back because we are missing seven players in the front line for the last two months, so big credit to the team and what they’ve done as well,” he said to beIN Sports.
He added that injury problems are simply part of a Premier League season’s landscape, and admitted that the options are limited at present.
The injury list is heavy. Key figures such as Gabriel Jesus are out until the new year, while Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are potentially available later this month.
Club captain Martin Ødegaard and summer striker signing Viktor Gyökeres may also be back after the international break.
Despite the injury hindrance, Arsenal still managed to secure a point in difficult circumstances, and Arteta was clear to give credit to his players for their effort.
As attention now turns to the upcoming international break and the next Premier League match on 23 November at home to rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta will be hoping his attacking options are bolstered.
