Arsenal’s preparations for the resumption of the Premier League are being overshadowed not by tactical debates or transfer chatter, but by a mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail Mikel Arteta’s early-season plans. The Gunners enter September with significant doubts hanging over three of their most influential players — William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz. The uncertainty surrounding their recoveries has left supporters and analysts questioning how Arsenal will cope in the critical weeks ahead, especially with major domestic and European fixtures looming.

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Saliba’s Setback – A Blow at the Back

William Saliba’s injury has become the headline concern. The French centre-back, who has developed into a cornerstone of Arteta’s defensive unit, suffered a cruel setback during the warm-up before Arsenal’s trip to Anfield. Having twisted his ankle, Saliba attempted to play through the discomfort, but his night ended after just five minutes. Forced to withdraw, he was replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, who was unexpectedly thrust into the heart of the defence.

The early departure forced an immediate reshuffle. Despite Mosquera’s admirable composure under pressure, Arsenal’s defensive structure looked visibly altered. Saliba’s absence not only deprived the Gunners of his pace, strength, and aerial dominance but also disrupted the balance of the backline, which has been one of Arteta’s strongest weapons in recent seasons.

Reports from French outlets suggest that the centre-back could be sidelined for three to four weeks, potentially missing crucial clashes against Manchester City, Newcastle United, Olympiacos in the Europa League, and West Ham United. Arteta, however, has been reluctant to commit to a timeline, admitting the medical team is still assessing the true severity of the issue.

In his post-match comments, the Arsenal boss praised Mosquera’s resilience and ability to adapt under intense pressure but conceded that losing a player of Saliba’s stature creates major uncertainty. “We don’t know the severity yet,” Arteta explained. “William is an important part of the team, and we need to take things step by step.”

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Saka’s Fatigue and Ongoing Fitness Battles

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s talisman in attack, is another name on the growing list of concerns. The winger has been dealing with recurring muscular tightness, a problem that has become all too familiar for both the player and the coaching staff. Saka’s tireless playing style, combined with his relentless workload for both club and country, has raised questions about whether he is being overused.

Last season, Saka featured in nearly every competitive fixture for Arsenal and England, and signs of fatigue were evident towards the end of the campaign. Though he has been a constant threat whenever on the pitch, the recurring niggles have forced Arteta to carefully manage his minutes. Missing training sessions and occasionally being substituted earlier than planned, Saka’s availability has turned into a game-by-game concern rather than a long-term guarantee.

With the Premier League schedule intensifying and Arsenal expected to compete fiercely in Europe, the Gunners’ medical department faces the delicate task of balancing Saka’s importance to the team with the need to preserve his long-term fitness.

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Havertz’s Mystery Knock

Kai Havertz’s situation adds another layer of complexity to Arsenal’s injury woes. The German international has endured a stop-start spell since joining the Gunners, struggling to consistently deliver the form that made him such a highly regarded acquisition. Just as he seemed to be finding rhythm in Arteta’s evolving system, Havertz picked up a knock that now leaves his involvement uncertain.

While the details surrounding his injury remain vague, reports suggest that it could keep him sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. This is particularly frustrating for Arteta, who had been integrating Havertz more centrally into his tactical setup, often rotating him between midfield and attack. His versatility and ability to link play have been important in providing balance, and losing him strips Arsenal of another valuable option in key areas of the pitch.

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Arteta’s Challenge – Depth Under the Microscope

For all the talk of Arsenal’s impressive squad-building over recent transfer windows, this injury crisis represents one of the first true tests of their depth this season. While the Gunners have added quality reinforcements, the absence of key figures exposes how fragile the balance between starters and replacements can be.

Saliba’s potential absence leaves Gabriel Magalhães shouldering greater responsibility, with Mosquera or Jakub Kiwior likely stepping in. Though both have shown promise, neither possesses the experience or authority of Saliba, particularly in high-stakes matches against top opposition.

In midfield, Havertz’s absence could force Arteta to lean more heavily on Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, with Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe waiting in the wings. However, neither backup has yet proven they can consistently influence matches at the same level as Havertz when he is fully fit.

The forward line is perhaps the most concerning area. Without Saka, Arsenal’s right flank loses its most consistent source of creativity and goals. While Gabriel Jesus or Leandro Trossard could be deployed in wider roles, neither replicates Saka’s blend of directness, technical quality, and relentless pressing.

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Crucial Fixtures Ahead

The timing of these injuries could hardly be worse. Arsenal’s upcoming run of fixtures includes meetings with Manchester City — the defending champions and their fiercest rivals in the title race — as well as tough clashes against Newcastle, a resurgent West Ham, and Olympiacos in Europe.

In previous seasons, Arsenal’s momentum has often been disrupted by injuries to key players. Supporters will remember how Saliba’s absence in the latter stages of the 2022/23 campaign derailed their title challenge. The fear is that history could repeat itself if these fitness issues drag on longer than expected.

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Supporters’ Concern and the Bigger Picture

Among Arsenal supporters, the mood is one of cautious concern. While Arteta has instilled belief and resilience into his squad, there is an awareness that injuries at this stage of the season can have knock-on effects that stretch across months. The Gunners are not only competing for the Premier League crown but also striving for progress in Europe, meaning squad rotation and player availability are more critical than ever.

In the long term, Arsenal may need to rethink their reliance on certain individuals. Saka’s workload, in particular, has been a topic of debate for over a year, and his recurring niggles serve as a reminder that even the most robust players need careful management. For Havertz, the challenge will be regaining rhythm once he returns, while Saliba’s situation will test Arsenal’s ability to adapt defensively.

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Conclusion – A Season-Defining Period

Arsenal’s injury list may not be the longest in the league, but the importance of the names on it makes this situation particularly damaging. Saliba, Saka, and Havertz are not just squad players — they are central to Arteta’s tactical blueprint. Their uncertain timelines create a cloud of unpredictability over the weeks to come, forcing Arsenal to rely on their depth and resilience.

How the Gunners navigate this period will go a long way toward defining their season. If replacements can step up and Arteta can find solutions, Arsenal may emerge stronger, having proven their adaptability. But if the injuries linger and performances falter, September could become the month that shapes — or shatters — their campaign.