Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his deep concern over the growing number of injuries in his team, warning that the current player workload is an accident waiting to happen. The Gunners have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, with several key players spending time on the sidelines.
This week, Arteta received more bad news when Germany forward Kai Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season. The injury to Havertz is a significant blow to Arsenal's hopes of finishing the season strongly, and Arteta is worried that his team's thin squad will be exposed in the coming weeks.
Arteta has been vocal about the need for squad depth and the importance of managing player workload. He believes that the current schedule, which includes a congested fixture list and minimal recovery time between games, is taking a toll on his players. The Spanish manager has called for reforms to the football calendar, arguing that the current system is unsustainable and is putting players at risk of injury.
The loss of Havertz is a significant setback for Arsenal, who were hoping to push for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Germany forward had been in good form, scoring crucial goals and providing creativity in midfield. His absence will be felt, and Arteta will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void.
Arteta's concerns about player workload are not unique to Arsenal. Many managers have expressed similar concerns, citing the demands of modern football as a major factor in the increasing number of injuries. The issue is complex, with factors such as training methods, playing styles, and squad depth all contributing to the problem.
As the season enters its final stretch, Arteta will be hoping that his team can avoid any further setbacks. The Gunners have a tough run of fixtures ahead, including games against top-six opponents, and will need to be at their best if they are to achieve their goals. With Havertz out for the season, Arteta will have to rely on his other players to step up and deliver, and he will be hoping that his team can stay injury-free for the remainder of the campaign.