Mikel Arteta told he should bear some blame for Arsenal’s injury woes this season

Arsenal injury concerns mount as Arteta’s training methods face scrutiny.

Arsenal injury concerns have been a major talking point this season, with several key players sidelined due to muscle-related issues. Former England international and football pundit Karen Carney has suggested that manager Mikel Arteta should take some responsibility for the club’s fitness problems.

Throughout the season, Arsenal has faced significant setbacks due to injuries to crucial players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhães. These injuries have played a role in Arsenal’s inability to secure the Premier League title, as they once again fell short—this time to Liverpool.

Carney, speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show, emphasized the importance of assessing the situation at the end of the season. She pointed out that managers play a crucial role in player fitness, citing Chelsea’s Emma Hayes, who takes muscle injuries personally because they are within her control.

Carney raised concerns about whether Arsenal’s injuries stem from overtraining or undertraining. She highlighted Liverpool’s appointment of Arne Slot, known for his training methods that prioritize player fitness. When asked by Ian Wright whether Arteta should be scrutinized, Carney responded affirmatively, stating that everything starts with the manager.

“If the manager can’t pick the players, then the games and performances fall on his head. No player is any good if they’re not available,” Carney explained. She urged Arsenal to evaluate their approach to fitness and ensure they keep their squad healthy.

Arteta himself has acknowledged the severity of Arsenal’s injury crisis. Before their recent defeat to AFC Bournemouth, he expressed shock at seeing multiple injured players together in the dressing room, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Jorginho.

Earlier in the season, Arteta warned that long-term injuries were inevitable due to the intense workload players face. He noted that some players had played over 130 games in the past two seasons, making injuries an “accident waiting to happen”.

Arsenal’s injury struggles raise important questions about their training methods and player management. While injuries are an unavoidable part of football, Carney’s comments suggest that Arteta and his coaching staff may need to reassess their approach to fitness and workload management.