A Five-Point Plan for Arsenal After Bukayo Saka’s Injury

Bukayo Saka’s recent injury has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Arsenal’s promising season. The young winger’s importance to the team is undeniable, and his absence will be keenly felt.¹ However, setbacks are a part of football, and it’s how a team responds that truly defines its character.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must now implement a clear plan to navigate this challenging period and ensure the team maintains its momentum. This five-point plan outlines key strategies Arsenal can employ to mitigate the impact of Saka’s absence.

1. Tactical Adjustments and Formation Flexibility:

Saka’s versatility allowed Arteta to deploy him in various roles, primarily on the right wing but also occasionally in central attacking midfield or even as a wing-back. His absence necessitates tactical adjustments. Arteta might consider shifting to a system that doesn’t rely so heavily on wide play or explore alternative formations.

• Option 1: Empowering the Left: Shifting Gabriel Martinelli to the right wing, his natural position, and giving Leandro Trossard consistent starts on the left could provide a different attacking dynamic. This would allow Martinelli to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, while Trossard’s creativity and link-up play could create opportunities for others.
• Option 2: Central Focus: A move to a more central attacking system, perhaps a 4-3-1-2 or a diamond formation, could maximize the strengths of players like Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz. This would require midfielders to provide width and cover, but it could offer a more compact and controlled approach.
• Option 3: Utilizing Wing-Backs: If Arteta opts for a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 formation, it will give more attacking freedom to the wing-backs. This would allow them to provide width and crosses, reducing the reliance on traditional wingers.

2. Unleashing Existing Talent and Promoting Youth:

Saka’s injury presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. Several players within the squad are capable of filling the void, albeit with different playing styles.

• Leandro Trossard: The Belgian international is a versatile attacker capable of playing in multiple positions.² His experience and technical ability make him a reliable option to fill in for Saka.
• Gabriel Martinelli: While naturally a left-winger, Martinelli has shown he can be effective on the right.³ His pace and directness can cause problems for any defense.
• Reiss Nelson: This is a chance for Nelson to finally establish himself in the first team. His pace and dribbling ability could provide a spark off the bench or even as a starter.
• Ethan Nwaneri: The highly-rated academy product could be given more opportunities to train and potentially feature with the first team. This would be a valuable experience for his development.

3. Managing Player Workload and Preventing Further Injuries:

With Saka and potentially other players out injured, it’s crucial for Arteta to manage the workload of his remaining squad carefully. This includes:

• Strategic Rotation: Rotating players strategically, especially in less crucial matches, will help prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of further injuries.⁴
• Careful Monitoring: The medical staff must closely monitor players’ fitness levels and address any potential issues promptly.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: Ensuring that injured players receive the best possible care and rehabilitation is essential for their swift and complete recovery.

4. Maintaining Team Morale and Focus:

Injuries can have a negative impact on team morale. Arteta must ensure that the squad remains focused and motivated despite Saka’s absence. This can be achieved through:

• Positive Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication with the players is crucial. Arteta needs to reassure the squad and emphasize the importance of collective effort.
• Reinforcing Team Spirit: Building a strong team spirit and fostering a sense of unity can help the team overcome adversity.
• Focusing on Positives: Emphasizing the team’s strengths and focusing on positive performances can help maintain confidence and motivation.

5. Short-Term Transfer Market Strategy (If Necessary):

Depending on the severity of Saka’s injury and the performances of the existing squad, Arsenal might consider a short-term signing in the January transfer window. This could be a loan deal or a short-term contract to provide cover in attacking areas. However, this should be a carefully considered decision, focusing on finding a player who fits the team’s style and can make an immediate impact.

Losing a player of Saka’s caliber is undoubtedly a significant blow, but it also presents an opportunity for Arsenal to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability. By implementing this five-point plan, Mikel Arteta can navigate this challenging period effectively and ensure that the team remains competitive on all fronts. This is a chance for other players to step up, for tactical innovations to be explored, and for the squad to show its true depth and character.