The injury bug has bitten Arsenal once again, this time claiming two starting midfielders.
Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta both left Saturday’s match against Tottenham in the first half with injuries, and Arsene Wenger has already ruled them out for two matches.
The duo will miss Arsenal’s midweek Champions League match versus Galatasary, as well as a key Premier League matchup against Chelsea four days later.
Jack Wilshere also took a knock in the Tottenham match and is doubtful to play Wednesday.
With the Gunners sitting at the bottom of their Champions League group, this is a huge blow for Arsene Wenger’s side. Without Ramsey, Arteta and Wilshere, Arsenal’s midfield is completely depleted.
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While Arsenal sits in fourth place in the Premier League, they have already battled injuries early on in the season. Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud are both out with ankle injuries, while Theo Walcott hasn’t played since a knee injury in January. Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has remained calm throughout the turbulence, but said the growing number of injuries is a concern for him.
With so many injuries in the midfield, Wenger may give the start to Mathieu Flamini, who replaced Mikel Arteta against Spurs. Flamini can bring a physical factor to the Gunners side, but lacks the skill and vision of the likes of a Ramsey or Arteta.
Arsenal fans will be hoping the earn at least a point against Galatasary midweek, but will be more satisfied if they can stay healthy for their big Chelsea match next Saturday.
