The Gunners could be without their star striker for a period of time

Arsenal plunged into injury crisis once again as Mikel Arteta now missing half of his usual starting XI

Eight new signings joined the Emirates after a trophyless 2024/25 campaign, including the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi.

But these reinforcements are quickly being put to the test, as Arteta already has half a dozen players on his injury list.

Forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are still ruled out after their season-ending injuries of the previous campaign; winger Bukayo Saka also picked up an injury early into the new season.

Thankfully, there are others who can now fill their positions – Zubimendi is the first-choice holding midfielder over Norgaard, Jurrien Timber can hold the fort in Ben White’s absence, and either new signing Christian Mosquera or loanee Piero Hincapie will be called upon to partner Gabriel in defence.

But losing six players, most of whom would make the starting XI every week, certainly still constitutes an injury crisis, and Arteta will do well to keep Arsenal’s campaig

After the international break, Arsenal’s next Premier League game is against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 13, shortly followed by their first Champions League group stage match the following Tuesday, against Spanish outfit Athletic Club.