Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s promising young talent, will be sidelined for several important matches after sustaining a muscular injury during the team’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The 17-year-old, who has been stepping up amid injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz, was forced off at halftime on Saturday after scoring Arsenal’s opening goal.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment, confirming the severity of Nwaneri’s injury.
“It’s really bad news because I think we’ve lost him for a few weeks,” Arteta said. The youngster, who has been impressive with four goals in five starts, will miss Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures in January.
Matches Nwaneri Could Miss:
- Newcastle (H) – Carabao Cup (Jan 7)
- Manchester United (H) – FA Cup (Jan 12)
- Tottenham (H) – Premier League (Jan 15)
- Aston Villa (H) – Premier League (Jan 18)
- Dinamo Zagreb (H) – Champions League (Jan 22)
- Wolves (A) – Premier League (Jan 25)
- Girona (A) – Champions League (Jan 29)
Arteta remains hopeful that Nwaneri could recover in time for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester City on February 2.
While this injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of absentees—Saka, Sterling, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain unavailable, and Jurrien Timber is suspended—there is a glimmer of hope.
Arteta hinted that Havertz might be fit to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final after recovering from illness.
Despite these challenges, Arsenal will aim to maintain their momentum as they push forward in multiple competitions, including the Premier League title race, where they are chasing leaders Liverpool
