Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze is facing a tough time as of late. The talented midfielder has withdrawn from international duty due to a calf strain. This setback comes at a crucial stage for both the player’s national team and the Gunners.
Eberechi Eze injury details
As per reports, the playmaker initially sustained the lower leg issue during a Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Eze got the first goal in the 2nd leg, which helped Arsenal win the tie on a 3-1 on aggregate. However, he left the pitch, limping off in the 69th minute. He at first believed the discomfort was minor. In a post-match interview, he stated that “I’m alright, I’ll be O.K.”
But the injury flared up during later training sessions. The medical staff became concerned when the pain stayed during initial tests.
As a result, the midfielder missed the Carabao Cup final, where Manchester City went on to win. The extent of the calf problem eventually ruled him out of the matchday squad. This fitness concern has now officially forced his withdrawal from international duty. Eze remains in London to continue rehab.
Arsenal FC
Impact on England national squad
Eze’s injury disrupts the plans of England coach Thomas Tuchel. The player was at first named in the 35-man England squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. These matches serve as vital preparation for the next football World Cup.
The new coach will use this window to judge players looking to impress. However, Eze had to withdraw due to the ill-fated injury, which will be a major personal blow. He was eager to secure his place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Reports now say that the coaching staff has called up Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes as a late replacement. Barnes has scored 14 goals this season, making him a viable option in the wide areas. Before the knock, Eze had been in exceptional form for his country. He got three goals in seven games during 2025.
Importance of Eberechi Eze for Arsenal
The creative spark provided by the number ten has been vital for the team throughout the Premier League campaign. He has scored nine goals and had six assists across 41 games this season. He also became the first player in the modern era to score a hat-trick in a North London derby. Also, he holds the record of scoring five goals against Tottenham within a single season.
The Gunners clearly missed his unpredictability and direct running during their recent defeat in the cup final. The squad were unable to create meaningful chances without his ability to break defensive lines.
Return timeline for Eberechi Eze
Before the Carabao Cup final, Mikel Arteta stated the condition of Eze as well as other players. He said: “We tried everything [to get him fit for the game], but unfortunately he, Martin (Odegaard), Jurrien (Timber) and Mikel (Merino) are out.”
However, after the match, Mikel Arteta gave a brief update on the next steps for Eze’s issue. “We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait to see the results. It’s his calf,” said Arteta.
Club insiders are believed to be cautious because scans rarely come with very short-term injuries. The current estimates suggest the midfielder will remain on the sidelines for at least two weeks.
Arsenal will return to action against Southampton in the FA Cup on April 5. Following that fixture, the team faces a busy schedule ahead. A quarter-final tie with Sporting CP in the Champions League is on the horizon. There are hopes that the international break provides enough time for a full recovery.
However, the staff may choose to rotate the squad for less important fixtures to avoid more risk. The focus remains having the playmaker available for the major title race matches later in April.
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Souvik Bose
Souvik Bose is a junior football writer at Football Express, where he contributes articles focused on ongoing developments and discussions from the football world. His work involves covering news stories, key talking points, and the narratives that shape how fans engage with the sport.At Football Express, Souvik focuses on delivering football coverage that is timely, informative, and accessible to readers following the game closely. His writing reflects a deep interest in the evolving culture of football and the stories that emerge around the sport’s biggest moments.
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