Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show Arsenal’s injury concerns & analysing Gyokeres
Dec 18, 2025
A deep dive into Arsenal's injury woes is on the agenda as the hosts explore the ongoing struggles of Ben White and the squad's overall fitness. They question whether the team's intense style of play is a factor in these setbacks. Victor Gyökeres' performance comes under scrutiny as they discuss his modest goal return and the challenges he's facing in adapting to the Premier League. With Everton on the horizon, the panel weighs up squad availability and the importance of securing a win to maintain title hopes.
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Injuries Create A Vicious Cycle
- Arsenal's injury problem has become self-perpetuating as absences force other players into overload and cause more injuries.
- James McNicholas warns this cycle threatens the squad's momentum and could ultimately derail the season.
High Intensity Raises Injury Risk
- Arsenal's high-intensity style increases physical demand on players through repeated sprints and positional work.
- Art de Roché suggests that sustained intensity likely contributes materially to the injury toll.
Actively Reassess Training And Load
- Coaching and medical staff must study the issue and adjust training, selection or load management to stop the tide of injuries.
- James McNicholas urges the club to find anything they can alter because the problem is the biggest threat to the campaign.