Their place at the top of the injury table is almost like a trophy for the Gunners…
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The number of injuries to Arsenal’s squad this season has beaten even their ridiculous standards with 15 members of the Gunners first team squad already having had time out due to some kind of injury.
We look at just which players have been injured for Arsenal this season, list compiled by Daily Telegraph.
Wojciech Szczesny
Arsenal’s number one collided with Kieran Gibbs to gift United the lead in their recent Premier League match.
Hasn’t be seen since then and will most likely be out for a few weeks more.
David Ospina
Actually arrived at Arsenal with a pre-existing injury from the World Cup and required time to recover before making his debut against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.
However, aggravated the problem again after Wojciech Szczesny got himself recklessly sent off against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Ospina’s lack of warm-up before he was forced to quickly come on has forced him out until, most likely, the new year.
Jack Wilshere
The England midfielder just can’t catch a break from injuries at the moment after a poor tackle from Manchester United’s Paddy McNair damaged ankle ligaments forcing the England midfielder out until February 2015.
Wilshere’s tough tackling and robust style of play has been attributed to his devastating injury record where he has been on the sidelines for almost half of his professional playing career.
Abou Diaby
A devastating tackle in 2006 that shattered his ankle has plagued Diaby in the resulting eight seasons since it occurred with the Frenchman essentially having to re-learn to walk and run.
After years of niggling injuries, Diary finally looked somewhat fit in 2013 but just months later the midfielder was hit by the crushing news of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for nine months.
After a full and rigorous pre-season it was hoped he may be able to play some part this season but has only been seen once in the League Cup with no explanation given for his continued absence from the squad.
Theo Walcott
Out before the season began with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, Walcott returned, to the delight of Arsenal fans, against Burnley and looked every bit of the player the Gunners so clearly missed.
However picked up a groin injury on international duty and out until at least the weekend.
Mesut Özil
Suffered a freak knee ligament injury against Chelsea that was only detected by Germany team doctors when he went away on international duty. Was also out injured for a number of games earlier in the season with an ankle knock.
Despite having no real serious injuries before he came to North London, the Gunners injury curse seems to have now infected the German.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel’s age combined with the Gunners style finally seems to be catching up with the Spaniard who has suffered a number of severe injuries this season.
Injured against Besiktas, Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder has had a lot of time on the sidelines this season perhaps signalling that a more reliable replacement needs to be found.
Mathieu Debuchy
Played just four games for the Gunners before suffering ankle ligament damage against Manchester City which has kept him out for almost three months.
Probably he’ll return before the New Year, Arsenal fans will be hoping Debuchy will be able to stay fit for the remainder of the season given how few fit defenders Arsene Wenger’s side actually have left.
Laurent Koscielny
The decision to not buy a robust, defensive back-up by Arsene Wenger in the summer transfer window looks even more inexplicable when you consider Koscielny’s achilles problems were already well known by the Arsenal medical team.
Forced out during the last international break. The team was left so short at the back that Nacho Monreal had to deputise as a central defender. Hopefully now he’s fit again he’ll be back for the long term provided his muscles issues are managed pragmatically.
Olivier Giroud
The big centre-forward missed three months after a kick to the ball in stoppage time against Everton caused him to break his foot.
Has had no muscular injuries for the Gunners since his arrival almost three years ago and has looked strong since his return against Manchester United.
Kieran Gibbs
The full back has had a reputation of being susceptible to injuries throughout his career and has suffered a few niggles already this season.
Is now a major doubt for the Gunners next game against Southampton due to a hip injury suffered against West Brom
Nacho Monreal
Arsenal’s utility man at the back suffered a back injury at the start of the season that Arsene Wenger was oddly unable to explain. He recovered to put in some decent performances in central defence despite the fact he had never played there before, whilst Koscielny was out injured.
Suffered a knee injury against West Brom which, combined with Gibbs injury, leaves Arsenal with a crisis at left back that could result in Mathieu Flamini filling in. A scary thought indeed.
Aaron Ramsey
Missed almost a month after straining his hamstring against Tottenham.
Hasn’t looked as sharp and deadly in front of goal as his immaculate form last season which could may be down to fitness. The Welshman recently revealing he only now feels fully fit and ready to crack on.
Yaya Sanogo
A bittersweet night in the Champions League last week for Sanogo, after the highs of scoring his first competitive goal for the Gunners he was forced off injured after pulling his hamstring.
Will hopefully be available against Southampton, however.
Serge Gnabry
The young German has yet to grace the Arsenal first team since a long term knee injury kept him out at the end of last season.
However, he’s now fully fit and will want to continue where he left off after break out appearances last year put him in the headlines.