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Arsenal Suffer Huge Blow as Mikel Arteta Confirms Injury After Brighton Clash

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( Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta / Photo via Getty )

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a significant setback following the team’s 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the match, Arteta revealed that Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old sensation who had opened the scoring for the Gunners, was substituted at halftime due to muscular issues.

“Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him,” Arteta said. “We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.”

The revelation comes as a blow for Arsenal, who are already managing a demanding fixture schedule. Nwaneri’s performance in the first half highlighted why Arteta had entrusted the academy graduate with a starting role, but his injury now raises questions about how Arsenal will cope with their squad depth as the season progresses.

 

Nwaneri’s Rising Impact

 

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Nwaneri has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. At just 17 years old, the attacking midfielder has shown maturity beyond his years, earning him opportunities in Arteta’s senior setup. Against Brighton, he justified his selection with a well-taken goal that gave Arsenal the lead in the first half.

His dynamism and creativity have been key assets for the Gunners, especially as they contend with injuries to more senior players like Bukayo Saka and Ben White. Nwaneri’s injury now creates a void that could force Arteta to rethink his lineup in the coming weeks.

 

A Frustrating Evening for Arsenal

The draw against Brighton was already a disappointing result for the Gunners, who saw their title hopes take a hit as they dropped two crucial points. Nwaneri’s injury only compounds the frustration for Arteta’s side, who were outplayed for much of the game.

Brighton equalized in the second half through a Joao Pedro penalty, and Arsenal struggled to regain control. The Seagulls’ superior xG of 1.56 compared to Arsenal’s 0.84 reflected their dominance, especially after Nwaneri’s departure.

 

Arteta’s Selection Headaches

Nwaneri’s injury adds to a growing list of absentees for Arsenal, including Bukayo Saka, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. With the fixtures piling up, Arteta will need to rely on other players to step up.

The Gunners face Newcastle United next in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Arteta will likely rotate his squad, but Nwaneri’s absence could leave a noticeable gap in creativity.

Arteta’s comments suggest the injury could sideline Nwaneri for an extended period, though the full extent will only be known after further assessment.

 

Looking Ahead

Arsenal remain second in the Premier League table with 40 points from 20 games, but they are now five points behind league leaders Liverpool. With the Reds having two games in hand, the pressure is mounting on Arteta’s men to find consistency and keep their title challenge alive.

Nwaneri’s injury is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion. Arsenal’s ability to adapt and recover from such challenges will be crucial in determining how their season unfolds.

 

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