Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been handed a significant boost ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against AS Monaco on Wednesday, as former Gunners striker Folarin Balogun is set to miss the match due to a shoulder injury.
Balogun, who joined Monaco last summer, is scheduled to undergo surgery after recurring issues with his shoulder, ruling him out for an indefinite period. The 23-year-old USMNT forward, who has scored three goals in seven Ligue 1 appearances this season, had returned briefly in late November following a dislocation in October but has since been sidelined again.
Monaco coach Adi Hütter confirmed the striker’s absence, saying, “The decision is that Balo is going for surgery with his shoulder, and we don’t know exactly how long the duration will be. It’s a pity for him and a pity for us.”
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Balogun’s absence comes as a welcome relief for Arsenal, who are grappling with an injury crisis of their own. The Gunners have been plagued by fitness concerns throughout the season, with seven defenders currently unavailable for training.
Former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun - Monaco
Former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun (Image credit: Getty Images)
Among those sidelined are key defensive pillars Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. Midfielder Thomas Partey and versatile defender Jurrien Timber, who have stepped in to cover defensive gaps, were also missing from the latest training sessions.
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Gabriel Magalhães, a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline, is recovering from a knock sustained during Arsenal’s 5-2 victory over West Ham in November.
Despite their depleted squad, Mikel Arteta’s men will aim to capitalise on Monaco’s setback as they seek to maintain their strong form in Europe. Arsenal’s defensive frailties, however, could prove a major challenge as the North London side navigates a congested fixture schedule.
Monaco, currently third in Ligue 1, will have to find alternative attacking solutions in the absence of Balogun, who has also missed all of new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s matches due to his injury.
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