Arsenal Faces Early Injury Crisis with Key Players Missing

Arsenal is facing a potential injury crisis early in the 2025/26 Premier League season, with key players including Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz all dealing with fitness issues ahead of their match against Leeds United. Ben White missed training after only recently returning from a knee injury that limited him to 26 appearances last season, while Timber is still recovering from an ankle problem that kept him out of pre-season. Kai Havertz, who recently returned from a serious hamstring injury, suffered a new knee injury during training and missed an open session, putting his availability in doubt and potentially forcing Arsenal back into the transfer market despite their recent £200 million summer spending spree. Arsenal's striker options are already limited with Gabriel Jesus sidelined long-term due to an ACL injury, leaving new signing Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard as primary options upfront. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the squad's challenges and the possibility of further player movements before the transfer window closes, highlighting the need for adaptability amid persistent injury problems that also affected last season. The early injury setbacks underline Arsenal's ongoing struggle with player fitness, threatening to disrupt their plans after a strong opening win against Manchester United.