Gunners Set for Tough Last-16 First Leg as Key Players Sidelined
As the UEFA Champions League knockout stage kicks off tonight (March 4), Arsenal face a daunting trip to the Netherlands to take on PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their last-16 tie. However, the Gunners’ preparations have been severely hampered by a growing injury crisis, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a depleted squad for the crucial encounter.
PSV, who earned their place in the knockout rounds with an impressive playoff victory over Italian giants Juventus, head into the match in relatively strong shape. The Dutch side has only one confirmed absentee, with Esmir Bajraktarevic sidelined due to a long-term injury. In contrast, Arsenal’s injury list is alarmingly lengthy, with five key players ruled out of the tie.
The Gunners will be without star forwards Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka, as well as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. To make matters worse, Tomiyasu, Jesus, and Havertz are expected to miss the remainder of the season due to their injuries. Martinelli and Saka, though making progress in their recovery, are still far from a return to action.
Arteta provided a sobering update on the duo, saying, “Bukayo and Gabi are progressing really well but are still a bit far from coming back.” Neither player participated in Monday’s (March 3) training session, further dampening hopes of their involvement in the upcoming fixtures.
The absence of these key players comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who secured automatic qualification from the group stage after finishing in the top eight. Their attacking firepower has been significantly weakened, with Saka and Martinelli in particular being sorely missed in recent matches.
Despite the setbacks, Arteta will need to rally his available squad to deliver a strong performance against a confident PSV side. The Dutch giants have proven their mettle by overcoming Juventus and will be eager to capitalize on Arsenal’s injury woes.
As the Gunners step onto the pitch at the Philips Stadion tonight, all eyes will be on how they cope without their star players. With the second leg at the Emirates Stadium still to come, Arsenal will be hoping to keep the tie alive and give themselves a fighting chance to progress in Europe’s elite competition.
For now, however, the focus is on overcoming adversity and finding a way to grind out a result in Eindhoven. The road to Champions League glory has never been easy, and Arsenal’s resolve will be tested like never before.
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