It has been a tough few weeks for Arsenal as they have lost two league games on the trot after enjoying a decent start with wins against Fulham, West Ham, and Sheffield. The dip in form has meant that Arsenal have moved out of the top half of the league table.

What is more alarming is the growing injury list amidst a dense Domestic and European fixture list where games are coming thick and fast. The Gunners are especially light in defence with Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers out for the long-term.

Update: Latest Arsenal team news ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture

Rob Holding 

Holding injured his right hamstring in the warm-up before the game against Manchester City, and has recovered well. He will likely miss tomorrow night’s game, but should be back in full training within the next week. 

David Luiz 

Luiz was forced off with a hamstring injury in the early stages of the second half against Leicester on Sunday. He will miss tomorrow night’s game, but the injury is not serious, and he is being assessed ahead of next weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Willian 

Willian had a slight issue with his right calf, but is fully recovered and is now back in full training and available for tomorrow’s game.

Longer term injuries

Calum Chambers damaged his Anterior Cruciate Ligament last season and has been out ever since, but is now back in full training, and progressing towards being match fit and available for selection. 

Pablo Mari was injured at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City on June 17^th. He has resumed light training, and should be back in full training after the November international break. 

Finally, Gabriel Martinelli’s injury to his left knee, which was also sustained in June, is on the mend. He had a successful procedure on the injury, and has started running outside alongside his strength and recovery programme, with the aim of being back in full training by the end of the calendar year. 

In a testing week ahead, wherein Arsenal first welcome Dundalk on Thursday and then travel to Old Trafford on the weekend, Arteta is way short of options. Does the future hold more pain?

Authors: Ben Kitto, Kshitiz Choudhary

Photo: Kieran Clarke (2014)