Arsenal face a challenging Champions League match against Club Brugge without Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard. Both players were part of the recent 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, but Rice is now sidelined due to illness, while Trossard has suffered another minor injury.
Mikel Arteta confirmed their absence during a press conference, noting that William Saliba will also miss the game.
Arteta expressed his frustration over the mounting injuries, which include Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes in defence, as well as Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus. “Frustrating losing Max, losing Leo, we lost big Gabi and we have other players that we have certain minutes,” he stated. The team is managing these challenges since the season’s start.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remain focused on maintaining their perfect record in the competition. They aim to become only the fifth English team to win all six games at the start of a European campaign. Gabriel Martinelli might fill Trossard’s role, having scored in all his Champions League appearances this season.
However, no Arsenal player has scored in five consecutive Champions League matches. Only Ian Wright and Thierry Henry have achieved longer scoring streaks in major European competitions for the club. This adds an extra layer of challenge for Martinelli as he steps up.
The recent defeat by Aston Villa was a rare setback for Arsenal. Emiliano Buendia’s late goal left them reeling and aware of Manchester City’s presence in the Premier League title race. Arteta remarked on this unusual loss: “It was strange as we don’t lose too many.”
He emphasised the need for reflection: “I think it’s a moment to reflect and look at what we’re doing.” Arteta highlighted how the players’ reactions on the field reflect their identity and aspirations. He stressed that examining their current state is crucial for future success.
The manager also addressed concerns about player workload: “Some players have played 150 games in a few seasons.” He noted that once an injury occurs, it increases the likelihood of subsequent injuries. The team is actively monitoring these issues to manage player fitness effectively.