Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury updates on Saka and Martinelli | OneFootball

Arsenal’s title charge has faltered, and the absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli isn’t helping.

Mikel Arteta offers a cautious update on their return as the Gunners desperately await their attacking duo’s comeback.

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Mikel Arteta has offered a measured and cautious outlook on the return of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, with the Arsenal manager confirming that while progress is being made, their return to action is still some way off.

The absence of both players has been a crucial factor in Arsenal’s recent struggles, culminating in a goalless and uninspired draw against Nottingham Forest that did little to convince anyone they are still in the title race. With their attack looking increasingly blunt, Arteta’s squad is feeling the strain.

Speaking after the Forest game, Arteta was unequivocal when asked if Saka and Martinelli could return “soon.”

“I don’t think so,” he said.

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Pressed further on whether they might be back in time for Arsenal’s trip to Fulham after the international break, Arteta was slightly more optimistic.

“I think so but again let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps and then after that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well gradually. They are evolving well but they’re still a bit far.”

The manager revealed that discussions regarding their progress are ongoing, with a key meeting scheduled for Thursday that could determine their pathway back into the squad.

“We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss where they are, especially Gabi, who probably has a chance before Bukayo to come in, but how soon that is, we’ll have to see how it evolves in the next week or 10 days.”

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Arsenal’s attacking struggles have been laid bare in recent fixtures, with Ethan Nwaneri, just 17, thrust into starting roles, lately against Forest, due to a sheer lack of options. The teenager showed flashes of promise but was visibly exhausted by the second half.

“He was cramping from minute 45, so we stretched him as much as we possibly could but we cannot lose the player and he was really fatigued,” Arteta admitted.

With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also absent, Arsenal’s forward line has looked toothless, a fact exacerbated Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling‘s struggles. Their inability to break down Forest, a side that has conceded freely this season, was damning.

As Liverpool continued their relentless march towards the Premier League crown, the Gunners’ draw at the City Ground only served to reinforce the fact that the title is now beyond them this season.

Arteta’s bullish response when asked if he was ready to concede – “Over my dead body” – was admirable, but his team’s performances have not matched his defiance.

At this stage, Arsenal’s season has pivoted away from a title fight towards a battle for second place. If they are to make a late push, they desperately need Saka and Martinelli back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

But for now, Arteta’s latest Arsenal injury update suggest the wait will continue.