Arsenal are set to have a number of key players return from injury in late November, but Wayne Rooney believes this could actually cause ‘problems’ for Mikel Arteta
Wayne Rooney believes the return of Arsenal’s injured players could actually cause “problems” for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners’ advantage in the Premier League summit at the weekend was curtailed. Arsenal were without six key players for Saturday’s game against Sunderland.
These included key strikers Victor Gokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Maduke, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus. Most of these players are expected to return around late November, with the exception of Havertz and Jesus, who are battling long-term fitness concerns.
Arteta said he was optimistic that some would be available, although it was questionable whether they would all return at the same time. Arsenal supporters will be delighted to witness the return of their key man as the race for the Premier League title heats up in the early stages.
read more: Victor Gokeres and eight other Arsenal stars scheduled for extra training during international breakread more: Arsenal secure £152m gold mine with two signings due to Mikel Arteta’s impact
However, former Manchester United forward Rooney believes he could be a headache for Arteta. He told the Overlap Fan Debate: “That can cause problems. Just like Liverpool signing too many players and players who are supposed to be playing are left on the bench, it can cause problems in the dressing room as well.”
“I don’t think it’s always good to have everyone. When you have a team this good, it can actually probably be very refreshing for the manager to have them out.”
A perfect example, Rooney suggests, is Liverpool’s Alexander Isak. The £125m forward was an outstanding performer at Newcastle before moving to Liverpool.
The Sweden international has certainly faced fitness issues this season, but Isak probably didn’t expect to see him on the bench during Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Arteta built a strong side against Sunderland, but the return of players like Gökéres and Odegaard could mean top performers like Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard are relegated to the bench.
Arteta does not want the £64m forward to leave due to fatigue, but it provides an opportunity to rotate the squad without upsetting key players. However, Arteta will no doubt want Gokeres to feature in the North London derby, Arsenal’s first Premier League game after the international break.
Indeed, the Gunners’ fixture list after the break will be a tough test for the team. After Tottenham, they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, followed by a London derby with Chelsea. They then face a difficult-to-beat Brentford side before heading to a rejuvenated Villa Park.
Manchester City, on the other hand, are set to return to Premier League action more directly. They visit struggling Newcastle before taking on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Leeds and Fulham are next on the schedule, with Sunderland likely to have their toughest fixtures in early December.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
