Wayne Rooney spots Arsenal ‘problem’ that could derail Premier League title bid

Arsenal are set to have a number of key players return from injury in late November, but Wayne Rooney believes this could actually cause Mikel Arteta ‘problems’

Wayne Rooney reckons the return of Arsenal’s injured player could actually spell ‘problems’ for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners’ advantage at the Premier League summit was trimmed over the weekend. Arsenal were without six crucial players for their clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

These included key striker Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus. Most of these players, apart from Havertz and Jesus who are battling longer-term fitness concerns, are anticipated to make their comebacks around late November.

Arteta has indicated he’s optimistic some will be available, though it’s doubtful all will return simultaneously. Arsenal supporters will be delighted to witness some of their key men back as the Premier League championship battle intensifies early doors.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres and eight other Arsenal stars set for extra training during international breakREAD MORE: Arsenal sitting on £152m goldmine as Mikel Arteta impact clear for two players

However, ex-Manchester United forward Rooney reckons it could create headaches for Arteta. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said “That can cause problems, similar to Liverpool when they sign too many players and you have got players who are getting left on the bench who normally would be playing, that can cause problems as well in the dressing room.

“I don’t think it’s always a good thing to have everyone; if you have such a good squad, it’s actually sometimes probably quite refreshing for the manager to have them out.”

A perfect illustration, as Rooney suggests, is Alexander Isak at Liverpool. The £125m forward was Newcastle’s standout performer before making the switch to Liverpool.

The Sweden international has admittedly faced fitness issues this season, but Isak probably didn’t anticipate warming the bench throughout Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Arteta fielded a strong side against Sunderland, but when players like Gyokeres and Odegaard return, top performers such as Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard may find themselves relegated to the bench.

While Arteta wouldn’t want his £64m forward sidelined with a strain injury, it does provide an opportunity for squad rotation without upsetting key players. Nevertheless, Arteta will undoubtedly be keen to have Gyokeres fit for Arsenal’s first Premier League match post-international break – the North London Derby.

Indeed, the Gunners’ fixture list following the break will be a stern test for the team. After Tottenham, they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, followed by another London derby against Chelsea. They then take on hard-to-beat Brentford, before heading to a rejuvenated Villa Park.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have a more straightforward return to Premier League action. They visit struggling Newcastle before taking on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Leeds and Fulham are next on their schedule, with Sunderland likely to be their toughest challenge in early December.

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