Arsenal's Injury Problems Get Worse, Arteta Asks For More Rest

Mikel Arteta has been twisted by Arsenal's fitness problems in the middle of a busy schedule (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta said an unprecedented match schedule was the cause of Arsenal's ongoing injury, after two other players limped off in a 2-0 win over Brentford, Thursday, December 4, 2025, early morning WIB.

The Gunners are again five points ahead at the top of the standings through goals from Mikel Merino and substitute Bukayo Saka at the Emirates Stadium. However, the victory had to be paid dearly because Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice could not play full.

Mosquera was replaced before the first half ended with a knee or ankle problem, while Rice appeared to be having a calf problem and had to be pulled out with seven minutes remaining.

Previously, Arsenal had lost a number of players for a long time this season, including Viktor Gyokores, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz. Luckily, some have returned.

The problem is, the nearest match has no long pause. The Gunners will face another emerging team, Aston Villa, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, WIB night, at Villa Park. This made Arteta have to think about the fitness of the players so that injury problems don't continue to happen to him.

"Maybe not just one thing, but we can help the players and everyone in the league to do what we have to do."

"Give us one more day, especially the teams that often play in Europe. To everyone in general, I think we can do it because we will all benefit from it."

"We've never had a schedule like this at every level, not only in the Premier League, but also in every international competition. So, we need to try to do it."

"I think it makes sense. At some point, it will be too heavy and the players are not machines. However, we have to try to do it as long as we can," Arteta said of Arsenal's fitness.

Apart from that, Merino scored his 10th league goal for the club in another brilliant performance while playing as Arsenal's center forward.

Arteta admits Merino's surprising contribution this season has made him calmer, having been worried about how he will put new player Viktor Gyokeres into his line-up with the existing players.

"I think it's a lesson. I took that lesson because throughout the summer I thought, if we brought in the number nine, what would happen to Gabi Jesus and Kai?"

"I have a lot of number nine players. I think I really like them. Okay, what are we going to do? How are we going to deal with it? So far we have no problems because they are injured."

"So, live the present, live this moment, and face the situation at that time. That's all," said the Spaniard.