Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear over Arsenal injury crisis after Sunderland setback

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard helped Arsenal stage a second-half turnaround, but there was still a twist in store.

Brian Brobbey’s injury-time equalizer forced Mikel Arteta to settle for a point, with the Premier League title race still wide open.

Now that the international break has arrived, the Gunners will be hoping to get some key stars back in action.

Mikel Arteta wants injured Arsenal players to return soon

Arsenal’s injury problems are nothing new, as recent seasons have shown.

The squad depth that was provided to Arteta in the form of a busy summer transfer window has helped somewhat, but the team is once again running on empty.

This showed late in Arsenal’s draw against Sunderland, with many tired players struggling to get through the 90 minutes.

Arteta was criticized for his lack of substitutions, ultimately making just one, but it is clear the Arsenal boss wants his full squad available again.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said after the match: “We’re very limited in the options we have, but it’s also the season, you’re going to go through those periods, but we still did really well, so thanks to the team.”

In a later interview, Arteta also said he needed players to return after the international break.

He said: “We have to continue to improve, recognize what we have done in the last period.

“International break, we have to get some players back because we are missing seven players in the front row in the last two months, so a big credit to the team and what they have done as well.”

Arsenal are currently without six attacking options, with the bench forwards all academy stars.

Arsenal injuries and return dates

While Arsenal have a largely fit backline and midfield, the forward line is an obvious problem for Arteta when it comes to injuries.

Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino were the only fit senior options at his disposal to face Sunderland.

Given how Arsenal like to press, the lack of other stars to come in and inject energy was an obvious problem that could be remedied with some feedback.

Fortunately, there could be returns for Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli during the two-week break.

It could also come just in time, with the North London Derby taking place, as well as clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea.