Arsenal FC hit with major injury blow as Saliba and Martinelli ruled out—Arteta faces crucial test of depth.

Arsenal FC Premier League campaign has been dealt a heavy setback after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli will both be sidelined through injury. Speaking ahead of the club’s next fixture, Arteta revealed that both players are undergoing assessments, while the key trio of Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Bukayo Saka are expected to be fit.

The news throws Arsenal FC preparations into uncertainty, with Saliba’s absence in particular threatening to disrupt the defensive solidity that has underpinned their strong start to the season.

“Saliba will be out; we are assessing him. Gabriel Martinelli will be out as well. We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury,” Arteta confirmed.
“Rice, Calafiori, and Saka are going to be fine.”

It’s a statement that has sent ripples through the Arsenal FC fanbase—and potentially across the Premier League title race.

Saliba’s injury raises defensive alarm bells

Few players have embodied Arsenal FC resurgence under Arteta quite like William Saliba. Calm under pressure, dominant in duels, and integral to the club’s build-up play, the French defender’s importance cannot be overstated. His injury last season coincided with the club’s late collapse in the title race—and the timing of this fresh setback feels eerily familiar.

Sources close to the club have suggested that Saliba’s issue may be muscular rather than structural, but Arsenal FC are proceeding with caution. The 23-year-old has played nearly every minute of the season so far, and fatigue could be a contributing factor.

If the diagnosis rules him out for several weeks, Gabriel Magalhães and Jakub Kiwior are expected to step in, with Ben White potentially shifting centrally. However, that reshuffle would leave gaps at right-back, where White has been pivotal in supporting Saka.

Arteta’s defensive rotation has been minimal this term — a decision that now appears to have backfired as injuries begin to mount.

Martinelli setback adds to attacking concerns

For Arsenal FC attack, Gabriel Martinelli’s absence could be just as disruptive. The Brazilian winger’s direct pace and relentless energy provide balance to Arsenal’s front line. Without him, the left flank often loses its spark, with substitutes struggling to replicate his explosiveness.

Arteta’s options to cover Martinelli include Leandro Trossard, whose technical ability and movement between the lines offer a more measured alternative. Reiss Nelson could also be handed more minutes, though he has struggled for consistency.

Martinelli’s injury follows a string of minor knocks suffered earlier this season. While the extent of his current problem is not yet confirmed, Arteta’s cautious tone suggests Arsenal FC may be bracing for a period without him.

Midfield relief as Rice declared fit

Amid the gloom, there is at least some positive news for Arsenal. Declan Rice has been passed fit, easing fears of a potential midfield crisis. The England international has been ever-present since his £105 million move from West Ham, bringing both composure and drive to the heart of Arteta’s team.

Rice’s availability will be crucial in maintaining balance as the Gunners look to manage the defensive reshuffle. His shielding presence in front of the back line often allows full-backs to push forward—a system that depends heavily on stability behind him.

Arteta also confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka are “going to be fine,” giving Arsenal some reassurance heading into their next Premier League clash.

Arsenal FC momentum at risk

The timing of these injuries could not be worse. Arsenal FC are entering a pivotal stretch of fixtures, including league games against top-six rivals and a crucial Champions League group encounter. Their rhythm, carefully built over recent weeks, now faces disruption.

Last season’s late falter — largely triggered by Saliba’s absence — still lingers in the minds of supporters. Arteta’s side have looked more mature and composed this campaign, but their depth will once again be tested. Critics have long argued that Arsenal FC bench lacks the same quality as Manchester City’s, and this injury spell may prove or disprove that theory.

Arteta’s trust in his younger players, such as Kiwior, Nelson, and Nketiah, will now be under scrutiny. These are the moments that define not just a season, but a team’s character.

Tactical implications: who steps up now?

Arteta’s meticulous approach often relies on consistency—the same players executing fine-tuned tactical patterns week after week. Saliba’s injury forces a reconfiguration that could alter Arsenal’s rhythm in possession and defense.

Expect Gabriel Magalhães to take on a leadership role at the back, while Ben White might shift inside if necessary. Arteta could also hand Takehiro Tomiyasu a rare start, particularly in matches where aerial strength is needed.

Further forward, Trossard seems the natural choice to fill Martinelli’s spot, but Emile Smith Rowe remains an intriguing option. The academy graduate’s creativity and link-up play offer a different dimension—one that could unlock stubborn defenses if Arteta is willing to tweak his attacking formula.

Supporters’ reaction and social media buzz

Unsurprisingly, the news has triggered a wave of concern among Arsenal supporters online. On X (formerly Twitter), fans have voiced frustration at the club’s injury misfortune, while others remain confident that Arteta’s system is robust enough to adapt.

“Every time we start building momentum, injuries hit,” one supporter wrote. Another added: “As long as Rice and Saka are fine, we’ll cope. But Saliba is irreplaceable.”

It’s a sentiment that reflects both the anxiety and belief that coexist within the Arsenal faithful — a fanbase that has seen enough promise to dream, yet enough setbacks to stay cautious.