
Mikel Arteta insists players are not overtrained amid injury crisis
Mikel Arteta insists players are not overtrained amid injury crisis
- Arsenal has suffered 28 injuries this season, contributing to a significant injury crisis.
- Mikel Arteta has denied that overtraining is the cause of the injuries, stating that training time is limited.
- The team is experiencing considerable strain on available players, which could lead to more injuries.
Story
In England, Arsenal Football Club is facing a significant injury crisis that has escalated during the current season. As of December 10, 2025, the Gunners have reported a striking 28 injuries, making it one of the highest counts in the Premier League. This issue has intensified with newcomer Max Dowman being sidelined for weeks due to ankle ligament damage. The team has had to manage their squad carefully, with star players like Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice also missing crucial matches due to injury and illness, respectively. Moreover, defensive stalwarts William Saliba, Gabriel, and Cristhian Mosquera have not been actively participating in games alongside midfielder Kai Havertz. Such a scenario of numerous injuries is putting a strain on the club's resources and performance, as they continue to compete at a high level. Mikel Arteta, the head coach, emphasizes the notion that the injuries are not a result of overtraining, noting that the time available for training has been severely limited. He explained that recent training sessions have been minimal, consisting of only 20 minutes, and there is no evidence to support the idea that the players are being overworked. Arteta acknowledges the correlation between missing key players and the increased workload on the remaining squad members, which inevitably leads to more injuries—a cycle he describes as a 'really dangerous circle.' This precarious situation not only affects performance but also the players' physical demands and mental well-being. Arsenal's injury woes have been critical for their overall strategy and competitiveness in domestic and European competitions. Many of their injured players have undergone long spells out of action, adding to the team's challenges as they try to maintain form amid mounting pressures. Arteta reflects on the implications of these repeated injuries across different positions, illustrating how it disrupts team dynamics and player morale. With fixtures piling up, the burden on available players increases, often leading to exhaustion that can compound injury occurrences stacked upon previous issues. Dowman's situation underlines the importance of managing player health carefully, especially with the upcoming Champions League match against Club Brugge. Despite the challenges, there is a faint silver lining for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus, an influential player who has been sidelined for 332 days, has returned to the squad, presenting a potential boost as the team seeks to regain form. His inclusion could help ease the strain on other players, enabling a more balanced and effective approach as they navigate the ongoing fixtures. As Arsenal looks to adapt to these adversities, Arteta's insistence against overtraining serves as a focal point in addressing the injury crisis while pursuing consistency in their game plan moving forward.