If there’s one thing Arsenal fans didn’t want to hear before the weekend, it’s the dreaded two-word headline: Arsenal injury. Just when the Gunners were starting to look like a well-oiled machine at the top of the Premier League table, Mikel Arteta’s medical room decided to go full hospital drama. According to sources, as many as eight players could miss the clash against Crystal Palace. That’s not counting anyone who wakes up tomorrow with a mysterious “tight hamstring.”
Arteta confirmed that “big Gabi” (yes, Gabriel Magalhaes, the brick wall of a man) hasn’t trained after picking up a knock midweek. The Spaniard, with the calm of a man hiding his panic, said they’ll “see how he evolves.” Translation: Arsenal fans, start praying.
Arsenal Injury List: Long Enough to Form Its Own Line-Up
Martin Ødegaard’s knee is still on a personal vacation until November, Kai Havertz’s is sending postcards from the physio room, and Gabriel Jesus? He’s apparently booked until next year. Even Noni Madueke’s name has joined the roll call of the wounded. If this continues, Arteta might have to start holding open trials in Finsbury Park.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are strutting into North London with the swagger of a team that, frankly, doesn’t have half its squad in plaster. Oliver Glasner even said, “all players are fit.” That’s just rude.
According to Sources: Arteta’s Balancing Act
According to sources close to the club, Arteta is juggling optimism and realism like a man balancing tea cups on a roller coaster. The Gunners have the quality to grind out results, but depth will be tested harder than an Oxford entrance exam.
Author’s Opinion: A Little Humor in the Hurt
Honestly? The entire saga of Arsenal injuries is reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy played in slow motion. Only that everybody is limping rather than dying. Nevertheless, it is strange in a heroic way. The Gunners feed on tragedy; and they have been doing so since 1886. So perhaps, perhaps, this wound tornado will make the steel of champions.
As there is no better lesson that football has left us in life, than this: the more raggedy you are, the more you can dance when you win.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
