Arteta’s Arsenal Face Leicester with Depleted Frontline | OneFootball

Leicester City vs Arsenal: Injury Woes Mount Despite White’s Return

Arsenal’s visit to Leicester City comes with a crucial lift as Ben White re-enters the fold after overcoming a knee injury that kept him out since November. The right-back returned to full training following an intensive warm-weather camp in Dubai. Mikel Arteta shared his optimism, stating, “Ben has been training more regularly now, so we have to still manage a lot his load. But he is going to be available, yes.” Yet, Arsenal’s attacking options remain worryingly limited.

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Injury Crisis Deepens for Arteta’s Side

Arsenal’s offensive options are threadbare, with Gabriel Martinelli sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian joins Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), and Kai Havertz (hamstring) on a growing injury list. Arteta described Havertz’s misfortune in Dubai: “Then the injury [to Havertz] happened in a very unexpected way, certainly. So, it’s a big blow obviously because of the injuries we have. He was going to stop a shot after a set-piece and he stretched the leg and felt his hamstring.”

Trossard Poised to Lead Arsenal’s Attack

With limited forward options, Leandro Trossard is expected to lead the line, supported by Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling. Arteta praised the squad’s preparation during their Dubai camp, adding, “We were having a great camp in Dubai – recharging, training, having some time off and connecting again with nature and a different environment.”

Predicted Line-ups and Match Details

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling. Injured: Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Martinelli (hamstring), Saka (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee). Kick-off: 12:30 pm GMT, Saturday 15 February 2025. Venue: King Power Stadium. Live Coverage: TNT Sports.