Arsenal in Crisis! Five Key Stars Ruled Out Ahead of Fulham Showdown

Arsenal are set to face Fulham in their upcoming Premier League fixture, but Mikel Arteta will have to navigate the game without several key players due to injury. The Gunners’ squad has been hit hard, with a number of crucial figures sidelined, including Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Riccardo Calafiori.

Bukayo Saka – Hamstring Injury

Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s most influential players, is out with a hamstring injury. The England international has been a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking play, providing goals and assists throughout the season. His absence will be a massive blow for Arteta’s side, as they will miss his creativity, pace, and ability to change games. However, the good news is that Saka is expected to return on April 9, 2025, meaning he should be available for crucial fixtures later in the season.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – Knee Injury

Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is another major absentee. The versatile defender has been dealing with a knee injury, ruling him out until June 1, 2025. Tomiyasu’s ability to play across the backline has been a valuable asset for Arsenal, and his absence reduces Arteta’s defensive options significantly. With him unavailable, Arsenal’s defensive depth will be tested against Fulham’s attacking threats.

Gabriel Jesus – Unknown Injury

Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury, with his expected return date set for June 30, 2025. The Brazilian forward has struggled with fitness issues throughout the campaign, limiting his impact. His absence means Arsenal will have to rely on alternative attacking options like Leandro Trossard or Jhon Durán. The lack of a natural No. 9 could force Arteta to tweak his tactics against Fulham.

Kai Havertz – Hamstring Injury

Kai Havertz, who has grown into an important figure in Arteta’s system, is also ruled out with a hamstring injury. Like Jesus, his expected return date is June 30, 2025, suggesting he will miss a significant portion of the run-in. Havertz’s ability to link midfield and attack has been crucial in Arsenal’s build-up play, and his absence leaves a gap in Arteta’s tactical setup. The Gunners will need players like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice to step up in his absence.

Riccardo Calafiori – Knee Injury

Defender Riccardo Calafiori is another casualty, dealing with a knee injury with no confirmed return date. The Italian defender was expected to add depth to Arsenal’s backline, but his injury has kept him on the sidelines. His situation remains uncertain, and Arsenal will have to wait for further updates on his condition.

How Arsenal Could Cope Against Fulham

With several first-team players out, Arteta will need to make adjustments to his starting lineup. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could be tasked with filling Saka’s attacking role, while Ben White and Jakub Kiwior may need to step up defensively. In midfield, Ødegaard and Rice will have to take on more creative and defensive responsibilities.

Arsenal’s injury list poses a challenge, but with depth in the squad, Arteta will hope his team can secure an important result against Fulham despite missing key stars.