The new Premier League season has only just begun, but Bangla Cricket Live reports that last season’s runner-up, Arsenal, already finds itself in trouble. With only a few matches played, the Gunners are reeling from a wave of injuries and controversial refereeing decisions that have sidelined key players. Following the international break, Arsenal faces a daunting run of fixtures—including the North London Derby, UEFA Champions League matches, and a clash with defending champions Manchester City.
Among Arsenal’s summer signings, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino was expected to bring both creativity and steel to the midfield. However, Bangla Cricket Live confirms that before even making his Premier League debut, Merino suffered a serious shoulder fracture during training. The injury will keep him out for at least two months, forcing him to miss crucial early-season fixtures. His absence is a major blow to manager Mikel Arteta’s plans to build a solid midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. While Arsenal has depth, the team’s overall strength and cohesion are clearly affected.
The Gunners encountered further setbacks in their third-round Premier League match against Brighton. Midfield anchor Declan Rice received two yellow cards and was sent off, sparking outrage among fans and pundits alike. Many felt the fouls didn’t warrant such harsh punishment, especially during a pivotal moment in the game. Rice’s suspension now rules him out of the high-stakes North London Derby—a fixture that could define Arsenal’s season. As a defensive cornerstone, his absence will leave Arsenal’s midfield more exposed.
Instead of gaining momentum from the international break, Arsenal emerged as one of its biggest losers. During Italy’s Nations League match against France, new left-back Riccardo Calafiori was forced off due to injury. Although the injury isn’t considered severe, his availability for the derby remains uncertain, disrupting Arteta’s defensive setup.
Worse yet, team captain Martin Ødegaard suffered an ankle sprain while playing for Norway against Austria. He had to be helped off the field, and Bangla Cricket Live reports that he will miss the derby and possibly several more matches. Ødegaard is not only Arsenal’s creative engine but also its emotional leader—his absence compounds an already dire situation.
Arsenal’s upcoming fixture list is nothing short of brutal. After the North London Derby, they’ll face Italian side Atalanta in the Champions League before taking on Manchester City in a crucial league match. With Merino, Rice, and Ødegaard all sidelined—and Calafiori doubtful—Arteta must cope with both tactical reshuffling and a thinned squad.
The derby against Spurs is always one of the season’s most anticipated matches, full of intensity and rivalry. But this time, Arsenal will head into it severely weakened. In response, Arteta may turn to Emile Smith Rowe or Kai Havertz to fill the creative void left by Ødegaard, while finding alternatives in defense should Calafiori be ruled out. Other squad members like Fabio Vieira and Jorginho could also see more minutes as rotation becomes necessary.
Arsenal’s mounting injuries and suspensions have cast a dark cloud over what was expected to be a promising campaign. With the North London Derby, Champions League group stages, and a showdown with Manchester City all on the horizon, Bangla Cricket Live believes Arsenal must now dig deep. The team’s resilience and Arteta’s adaptability will be tested like never before. Whether he can navigate this crisis and keep the Gunners on course is the burning question on every fan’s mind.