In more than one sense, Arsenal’s 2024–25 season was painful. Though Arteta’s team mounted another strong effort for trophies, a rising injury list repeatedly derailed their aspirations and exposed the weakness in their squad depth. The Gunners endured a season that may leave long-lasting physical and tactical scars as key players were out for lengthy periods—including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz.
Following Arsenal’s final home game against Newcastle United on May 18, Arteta spoke from the heart. “Any other club in this position will finish in a position you cannot even dream of,” he told supporters. His words hinted at the toll injuries had taken — not just on individuals, but on the club’s overall trajectory.
According to Premier Injuries, Arsenal suffered 36 time-loss injuries in the Premier League this season, costing them 1,297 player days — the fourth-highest in the league. Only Ipswich, Tottenham, and Brighton fared worse. These figures, which exclude illness or fatigue, point to a pattern that extends beyond bad luck.
A particularly alarming trend was the volume of muscle-related problems. Arsenal suffered at least seven hamstring injuries across the season, four of which (Saka, Havertz, Gabriel and loanee Reiss Nelson) required surgery. These injuries are often linked to the game’s rising intensity: more sprints, more turns, and more strain on the body.
Arsenal players have already missed over 180 combined games through injury this season – and Gabriel now looks set to add even more. 🤕
Which injury has been the most impactful to their trophy hopes? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ywkro3rIP5
— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) April 2, 2025
Squad Size and Structure at Arsenal
One of the clearest admissions from Arteta was that Arsenal’s squad was “super-short.” Despite once advocating for a streamlined group of 22 outfield players, the manager has since revised his stance, citing the demands of modern football. This season, the Gunners had 22 outfielders and three goalkeepers — already below the ideal of 23 or 24 outfield players. Also, the imbalance in certain positions didn’t help.
The consequences of this were evident when players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White were sidelined, placing unsustainable pressure on others like Jurrien Timber, who was himself returning from an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s failure to reinforce their striker options in January left Havertz overexposed — a gamble that backfired when he too picked up a hamstring injury in February.
A key theme throughout the campaign was the strain placed on core players. Liverpool, by contrast, had 11 outfield players appear in more than 30 league games; Arsenal had just five. This disparity underscores the importance of rotation — and trust. Arteta’s preference for a tight, high-performing core may have inadvertently contributed to the overload on select individuals.
Some injuries were beyond the club’s control — Ødegaard’s eight-week absence, for example, came after an international challenge. However, the recurring nature of certain issues suggests more could be done internally. The high number of surgeries, while indicative of advanced medical standards, also reflects a pattern of significant muscular damage — a red flag that requires attention.
Arsenal hit with injury crisis 🚨
After Martin Ødegaard got injured during last month’s international break, Bukayo Saka was forced to leave the pitch due to injury last night. This is a major setback for the Gunners' season 😳 pic.twitter.com/JEnO2JXuUF
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 11, 2024
Learning From the Pain
Arteta’s intensity-driven style, both in matches and training, is no secret. While it breeds a competitive edge, it also heightens injury risk. The relationship between coaching staff and the medical team must therefore be collaborative and candid. Figures like head of sports science Tom Allen and club doctor Zafar Iqbal are vital in setting thresholds — and must be empowered to intervene when needed.
Looking ahead, the review process is already underway. Arsenal’s medical and performance departments will dissect the data, assess training loads, and refine preseason planning. New sporting director Andrea Berta will play a central role in reshaping the squad — for quality and durability both.
The transfer market offers the most immediate opportunity for course correction. By recruiting with fitness history and workload capacity in mind, Arsenal can better balance their squad and mitigate future injury crises. As the Gunners prepare for another high-intensity season, one thing is clear: avoiding a repeat of 2024-25’s injury woes will be as critical to their success as any tactical masterstroke.
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