ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE
BREAKING NEWS: I tried telling Bukayo Saka to pass the ball so I can score but the reply He me got me angry that I even wanted to leave the pitch before Arteta calm me down”, Victor Gyokeres reveals what Bukayo Saka told Him on the pitch against Aston Villa today that really got Him upset
Arsenal Football Club has been the center of attention in recent weeks, not just for their on-pitch performances but also for some off-field controversies. One of the most talked-about subjects has arisen from a surprising source: striker Victor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward, who joined the Gunners during the summer transfer window, recently expressed dissatisfaction with his teammate Bukayo Saka’s attitude in training and during matches.
The Gunners have enjoyed a promising start to the season, with many experts tipping them as potential title contenders. However, the atmosphere in the squad has reportedly been affected by Gyökeres’ candid remarks regarding Saka’s conduct on and off the pitch. For many fans and analysts, Saka represents the future of Arsenal. His incredible talent, commitment, and passion make him a favorite among supporters and teammates alike. However, Gyökeres’ comments shine a light on the pressures that exist within a competitive squad striving for success.
In a recent interview, Gyökeres stated, “Talent can only take you so far. It’s important not just to show your skills but to lead by example and motivate the team. I feel that sometimes Bukayo doesn’t bring that energy that we need, especially during training sessions. Every player has to contribute, not just in terms of ability but also in attitude.” His remarks have caused a stir, prompting a flood of reactions from fans, pundits, and other players.
Saka has long been heralded as one of England’s brightest stars. Following his breakout performance in Euro 2020 and strong contributions in subsequent international competitions, expectations are sky-high. He has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, and his loyal following has largely defended him against criticism. However, Gyökeres’ take adds a different perspective—emphasizing the need for Saka to embrace a more energetic and influential presence within the squad.
Critics of Saka may argue that the pressures of being an immensely talented young player can result in sporadic dips in form or motivation. It’s not uncommon for even the most talented athletes to experience phases where their spark appears to fade. Perhaps Gyökeres, having arrived at Arsenal with high ambitions, expects more from his colleagues as they push for collective success.
Arsenal fans are left to wonder what impact this could have on the team dynamic. Gyökeres entering the fray with such outspoken criticism might suggest he is keen to spur his teammates into greater efforts, but it risks fracturing relationships in a squad that has been traditionally united. Manager Mikel Arteta will be faced with the task of managing this situation carefully, ensuring that the competitive spirit Gyökeres embodies does not undermine team cohesion.
The club’s next steps will be crucial. Will they rally around Saka, affirming his significance to Arsenal’s future? Or will they take Gyökeres’ comments onboard and encourage Saka to adopt a more influential role, both in his attitude and on the pitch? Both paths hold potential risks and rewards.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the relationship between Gyökeres and Saka. Their performance, both individually and collectively, will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining Arsenal’s success. The Gunners’ supporters will hope that any rift is temporary and that the squad can pull together as they strive for glory in the Premier League and beyond.
For now, the dynamics within the dressing room will continue to be a point of discussion as Arsenal navigates a competitive season ahead. Can unity and shared ambition triumph over discord? Only time will tell.
ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE
Mikel Merino will undergo surgery on a stress fracture on his foot today. Although Arsenal has not put a timeline on his recovery, he is expected to be out until the end of the season, but the player hopes to be fit for the World Cup
Mikel Merino provides Arsenal return update after surgery on foot injury: ‘Closer to being back’
Midfielder faces a fight to play again this season
Update: Mikel Merino
Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt
Mikel Merino has undergone surgery on a foot injury as the Arsenal midfielder begins a lengthy recovery process.
The midfielder picked up the issue late in the defeat to Manchester United last month, when he came off the bench and scored.
Merino was sent to see specialists to determine the severity of the problem, and it was discovered that surgery would be required on a bone injury in his right foot.
That procedure took place on Monday, with Merino taking to Instagram to share a picture from his hospital bed.
Merino posted: “Surgery done! Already closer to be back.
“Thank you so much to everyone for your messages and love. It really gives me even more energy to face the challenge. Vamos!”
Declan Rice said in reply: “With you brother.”
Martin Zubimendi, meanwhile, paid tribute to his Spanish team-mate by copying his celebration and pointing to the stands when scoring against Sunderland on Saturday.
Merino’s father recently confirmed that his son had suffered a stress fracture to his foot, an injury that Mikel Arteta has described as “very rare”.
Merino now faces a race to return to action before the end of the season and keep his World Cup hopes alive.
Arsenal hope that Merino will be fit to feature in May in the final weeks of the campaign, in what could be the decisive period for the club’s trophy hopes domestically and in Europe.
Asked if he expected Merino to play again this season, Arteta said: “Well, we hope so.
“I don’t know. Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive. He’s a big player for us.
“An athlete that has such versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that’s a big blow.
“Let’s see. It’s a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How that reacts daily.”
ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE
Gallery The best training snaps ahead of Sunderland clas Cristhian Mosquera tries to tackle Martin Zubimendi in training
We face Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and you can see what we’ve been up to at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of the contest with our latest training gallery.
We’ll be looking to continue our positive form having won our last three matches across all competitions, including a late 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals last time out.
Our most recent Premier League game saw us thrash Leeds United 4-0, a result which extended our lead at the top of the table to six points.
To see how we’ve been preparing for our clash with the Black Cats, flick through our training gallery below, captured by club photographer Stuart MacFarlane:
Read more
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Copyright 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
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ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE
Here’s the latest confirmed info on the Arsenal vs Manchester City Carabao Cup final (2025-26 EFL/Carabao Cup):
ardiola seeks rule change to make Guehi eligible for League Cup final
Manchester City beat Newcastle to set up League Cup final against Arsenal
Today
Today
📅 Date & Kick-off
The Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City is scheduled for Sunday, 22 March 2026 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. �
Wikipedia
Kick-off is expected to be around 4:30 pm GMT (16:30 GMT), although final broadcaster confirmation may adjust this slightly. �
The Standard
🏆 Match Context
Arsenal reached the final by beating Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in their semi-final. �
Reuters
Manchester City progressed with a 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle United. �
Sky Sports
📺 How to Watch
In the UK the final is expected to be shown on Sky Sports and free-to-air via ITV/ITVX, with pre-match coverage typically starting about an hour before kick-off. �
The Standard
📰 Team News & Injury Updates
Arsenal
Mikel Merino is a major doubt for the final as he’s expected to be out for an extended period undergoing foot surgery. �
Yahoo Sports UK
Decisions like goalkeeper choice (Kepa Arrizabalaga vs David Raya) may hinge on form later in the season. �
Yahoo Sports UK
Arsenal’s squad situation could evolve through Premier League and European fixtures between now and March.
Manchester City
Key players such as Josko Gvardiol are likely to miss the final due to injury. �
Yahoo Sports UK
Some others – including John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho – are expected to be available. �
Yahoo Sports UK
Marc Guehi is currently ineligible to play in the final under competition rules after appearing for another club earlier in the tournament; Pep Guardiola has publicly questioned this rule. �
Reuters
⚠️ Note: Team news and injury status will be clearer closer to matchday as clubs confirm their squads, fitness, and starting line-ups.
📌 Summary
Final: Arsenal vs Manchester City (Carabao Cup final)
Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
Kick-off: ~4:30 pm GMT (subject to broadcaster confirmation)
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London �
The Standard +1
If you want the local kickoff time for your time zone (Abuja/Nigeria) or predictions for the starting line-ups once confirmed, just let me know!
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