Arsenal star confirms injury blow for 'months' ahead of two crucial clashes

Arsenal's injury worries have come quick and fast for Mikel Arteta in recent weeks as the latest has even extended beyond his first-team squad. The Gunners have been struck with absences forJurrien Timber and Thomas Partey that have left them short in some areas early into the campaign.

That has ramped up in the past week or so as first Gabriel Martinelli had to be substituted during the first half of the Everton clash, missing the subsequent matches against PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham. His replacementLeandro Trossard suffered a similar fate as he took a knock in training and missed the North London Derby too.

That wasn't the end of the issues though as during the game,Declan Rice had to be substituted at half-time with a back injury. Bukayo Saka was then substituted in the second half and was seen carrying a limp as Arteta confirmed he is a doubt for the weekend's clash with Bournemouth.

All in all, it leaves the side slightly short and most likely cursing their injury luck, which appears to have extended outside of the initial picks too. The latest on the mend is Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is currently on loan with Premier League new boys Luton Town for the season.

Two appearances have been made so far, featuring against Fulham and Wolves as he looks to prove that he can feature for the Gunners in the future. However, his most recent injury may well stunt that progress, as well as the Hatters missing a key player for huge matches against Everton and Burnley.

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE — Victor Osimhen twist, Saka and Rice injuries, Brentford clash

William Saliba could be handed new role as Mikel Arteta is without Arsenal stars vs Brentford

Taking to Instagram, he posted a statement that said: «I thought it was my