Arsenal are in the midst of a big injury crisis with Saka, Jesus, Tomiyasu and Havertz out. It’s testing their squad depth. As of March 2025 they are 2nd in the league with 55 points from 28 games, but slipping further behind Liverpool who have 70 points from 29 games.
A 1-0 win over Chelsea on March 16 2025 shows they have some resilience but without their key attacking and defensive players they are really struggling for creativity and defensive stability. Even the bookies are looking to use the injury crisis to bet against the Gunners and they can do with a fun88 free credit.
Going forward Saka is expected to return in early April 2025 and that will boost their attack. But Jesus and Tomiyasu’s absence for so long will force Arteta to try some new tactics to keep the team going and to stay close to the Reds.
Arsenal’s Injury Crisis and Its Implications
Saka, a dynamic winger, has been out since December 21, 2024, following a 5-1 win over Crystal Palace, where he suffered a torn right hamstring requiring surgery. His absence, spanning 18 matches, has been significant, as he is a key goal-scoring and creative force. Jesus, the Brazilian striker, suffered an ACL rupture against Manchester United, ruling him out for the season and depriving Arsenal of a versatile forward.
Tomiyasu’s knee injury, persistent since March 2023, has limited him to six minutes this season, with a return not expected until late 2025, weakening the defensive line. Havertz, injured during a Dubai training camp, underwent hamstring surgery and will miss the rest of the season, affecting midfield depth. Martinelli, recently back from a hamstring injury, has started to ease the attacking burden, though his earlier absence added to the strain.
Current Injury Landscape
Saka has been out since December 21 2024 after the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace where he tore his right hamstring and required surgery. He’s been out for 18 games and is a key goal scoring and creative force. Jesus suffered an ACL injury against Manchester United and is out for the season and Arsenal are without a versatile forward.
Tomiyasu’s knee injury has been ongoing since March 2023 and he’s played only 6 minutes this season and won’t be back until late 2025 which is a blow to the defence. Havertz injured himself during the Dubai training camp and had hamstring surgery and will miss the rest of the season and is a blow to midfield depth. Martinelli has just returned from a hamstring injury and is starting to ease the burden upfront but his earlier absence added to the pressure.
Recent Performance and Impact of Injuries
Despite these issues, Arsenal are still second in the league with 55 points from 28 games, 15 points behind Liverpool who have 70 points from 29 games according to AiScore. Recent results show both resilience and injury impact.
On March 16, 2025, Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 in the league, Mikel Merino’s first half header the decisive moment, it was a vital win but showed we rely on individual moments, likely because of the absence of Saka and Jesus who would normally bring the team together.
In the Champions League, Arsenal showed fight and beat PSV Eindhoven 1-0 on March 12, 2025 in the 2nd leg of the last 16 tie, 8-2 aggregate. This showed we can perform under pressure but the quarter final against Real Madrid will test our depth especially without several first team players. Saka’s absence has reduced our attacking fluidity, we can’t replicate his creativity and goal threat from the wings, that’s why we’re seeing smaller margins in recent games.
Jesus’s absence means we have to rely on other strikers who are competent but lack his finishing and work rate, that’s impacting our pressing game.
Prospects for Improvement and Strategic Considerations
With the return of injured players Arsenal’s title hopes will get a boost, especially in the title run in. Saka back in early April 2025 is timely, coinciding with big games, including the Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid on April 8 2025 and Premier League games against Fulham and Everton.
He could be the creative spark to get Arsenal’s attack going again and close the gap to Liverpool. Martinelli is back already, he started against Chelsea on March 16 2025 and is being managed to not get injured again as per Daily Cannon updates.
