Arsenal Injury Update: Ethan Nwaneri latest details, recovery timeline

Arsenal dropped valuable points in their 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in their pursuit of the elusive Premier League title under Mikel Arteta. This pursuit however was dealt another big blow this weekend as they also lost Ethan Nwaneri to injury. The youngster had to be subbed off after halftime due to a muscular injury as per Mikel Arteta. Nwaneri had in fact opened the scoring in this very game.

The injury suffered is expected to affect further plans for the Gunners. On that note, read below and get a detailed overview of how the winger faced the injury, the freshest update on the situation, the impact of the blow on the club, his possible replacements, and his return to action date.

Ethan Nwaneri Injury Update

Ethan Nwaneri has now managed to make himself a very important part of Arsenal’s squad. Last season, he became the youngest player to ever take part in a Premier League game aged 15. This season, he has gradually imposed himself as a crucial member of the squad, often stepping into the midfield or even in the right wing spot given the injury to Bukayo Saka.

In the game against Brighton, Nwaneri assumed a starting berth and even opened the scoring in the 16th minute. But he felt something after a challenge in the first half itself from Pervis Estupinan and thereafter was taken off at half-time. Gabriel Martinelli came on to replace him.

As per Mikel Arteta, in an interview to the BBC, “Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him, we had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.” Further scans will take place over the next few days to ascertain the exact nature and extent of the injury that has taken place.

Also Read: Who is Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal Career Stats, Analysis & Playing Style

Impact of Ethan Nwaneri Injury on Arsenal Squad and Strategy

Ethan Nwaneri has been a really impactful presence for the Gunners in their campaign to win the title this season. When Arsenal were hurt by injuries, especially to the likes of Martin Odegaard, Nwaneri was brought into the squad. At first, Arteta didn’t do it but due to a lot of demands by the fans, the youngster was given a chance and grabbed it with both hands.

He has already scored 5 times across the Premier League and Carabao Cup. With his goal against Brighton, he became one of the rare players to score more than one goal in the Premier League before his 18th birthday. It’s scary to think of his potential given he has only recently turned 16.

Nwaneri has come through the Arsenal academy system and has been very hyped throughout his time at the Hale End. He had built up some serious rhythm in senior football and it is a matter of massive shame that it is getting broken.

Possible Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

This is a difficult one given that the entire reason Nwaneri was starting games was that Arsenal have too many injuries already. In the game against Brighton, Nwaneri started on the right wing as a Bukayo Saka replacement. Arsenal however do not have any more right wingers. This would mean that either Gabriel Martinelli plays out of position on the right or Gabriel Jesus plays on the right with Kai Havertz playing as the striker. The German is himself an injury doubt, however.

Another spot that Nwaneri has often been used in is in an attacking midfield role. With Martin Odegaard back, him playing is likely to be the case anyway from now on. Arteta can choose from 4 midfielders – Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey. Another academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has played left back and been really impressive but he is by trade a midfielder too.

Ethan Nwaneri return date

Ethan Nwaneri’s expected return date for being match-fit and fully available for play is not known yet. Further updates are awaited as Arsenal will conduct their own scans and will reveal the extent of his injury and when he is likely to return.