Two matches, two defeats, two titles have slipped out of Arsenal's hands. If they want to win glory in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League, they must quickly revive their spirit this week.
Coach Mikel Arteta has called on his players to show their bravery after the defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, followed by a defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. However, he is significantly limited in team selection due to the injury crisis.
11 Arsenal players have withdrawn from national team training camps in March. This has led to mockery that the "Gunners" are keeping the force for the club level. But in fact, the selection of the squad before Southampton and the subsequent open training session showed that Arteta is facing a serious personnel problem.
With the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Sporting and then the reception of Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arsenal is forced to maximize the depth of the squad to overcome the key stage of the season.
In the goalkeeper position, Arteta was criticized for using Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final - where he made a mistake leading to a goal conceded. This goalkeeper continued to be given opportunities against Southampton, but Arsenal's defense played uncertainly. Therefore, number one goalkeeper David Raya is likely to return in the next two matches.
In defense, Ben White made a mistake in the match against Southampton, while Jurrien Timber has not yet been able to return. This makes Arteta's choice on the right flank limited.
The center of defense is also no less worrying. Gabriel Magalhaes once worried the coaching staff when he had to leave the field due to injury, but he managed to return to training. Meanwhile, William Saliba also needs to be monitored for fitness after missing the national team gathering.
On the left wing, Piero Hincapie's injury forced Arteta to consider young options like Myles Lewis-Skelly or pulling Riccardo Calafiori to the left.
The Gunners' midfield brings positive signals as Declan Rice has returned to training, although only reaching about 70% fitness. Martin Odegaard is also gradually regaining form, while Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are rotation options. However, injuries to Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino continue to reduce the squad depth.
In attack, Bukayo Saka is not yet ready, forcing Arteta to rely on Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke.
In the center forward position, Viktor Gyokeres is likely to start when returning to face his old team Sporting. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz may be rotated to ensure fitness for the remaining journey.
In a context of both a shortage of players and instability, Arteta has no choice but to rotate and take risks. Next week may decide Arsenal's entire season.
The match between Sporting and Arsenal takes place at 2:00 AM on April 8 (Vietnam time).
