Ronnie Macdonald-Wikimedia Commons
The English Premier League season has not even started yet, and already Arsenal has injury worries. This is exactly what everyone was afraid of after a transfer window that has seen plenty of drama but no major signings. The one player that they actually signed, Yaya Sanogo, is a doubt with a hamstring problem. This, as well as the other injuries, will put Arsenal in the tricky position of having few options for the first game of the season against Aston Villa.
The news that seems to be the worst for Arsenal is that midfielder Mikel Arteta may miss four to six weeks after sustaining a thigh injury. Of course, this type of thing would happen right after Arsenal passes up on Luiz Gustavo. This has not been Arsenal’s summer by any means, and it looks like it will only get worse.
Arteta is not the only player who has picked up an injury with Bacary Sagna, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott all having some type of knocks that must be dealt with. Besides Arteta, Sagna’s ankle problem seems to be the most worrying of the lot. Walcott had some swelling in the knee and Ramsey reportedly had an ankle issue. Hopefully most of these injuries are just soreness or issues that will not keep the players out for long.
Two worries entering the new season were injuries and suspensions depleting an already shallow squad. With no big players coming in to add depth, it could be tough going for Arsenal in the coming months. The only thing that will help now is one of those panic shopping sprees right before the window closes. It looks like there will be some last minute drama for Arsenal. Unfortunately it won’t be for a world-class player, but probably for someone that can fill in for a current player until they are healthy.
Not a good way to go into the season for a club aspiring to win the title let alone a trophy. Keeping the faith gets harder and harder for Arsenal fans.
James Roeling is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesRoeling, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
