Arsenal: Even Henrikh Mkhitaryan absence piles on the pain

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is scheduled to miss the six weeks with a broken metatarsal in his right foot. While I have been critical of his performances, the Arsenal midfielder’s absence piles on the injury pain.

I have not been the most positive about Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s production and performances this season. The former Borussia Dortmund attacker was traded by Manchester United for Alexis Sanchez. Although his talent is not close to the Chilean’s, signing a clearly gifted and hopefully more committed player seemed like a smart move by Arsenal.

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But while he enjoyed a bright start life to life in north London, recording three assists in a 5-1 win over Everton and then scoring crucial goals in the Europa League, including against AC Milan in San Siro, his influence has waned substantially.

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This season, Mkhitaryan has been extremely disappointing. Two goals against Southampton and a marginally more vibrant display against Spurs more recently were nice to see, but they are rare glimpses of quality in a campaign littered with largely dark, dreary moments. But even though the Armenian has largely underwhelmed, the recent news that he will miss the next six weeks or so with a broken metatarsal in his right foot is absolutely catastrophic.

Arsenal are currently dealing with an injury crisis among their defensive ranks. They currently have only one truly match-fit centre-back, and even he missed the Southampton match two weeks ago through suspension. And now it seems as though Unai Emery has a depleted attacking force to deal with as well.

Mkhitaryan’s extended period on the sidelines adds to Danny Welbeck’s horrific ankle injury, which will likely see him out for the remainder of the season, and substantially restricts the depth and flexibility that Emery has with his attacking options.

In the attacking midfield department, Arsenal only really now have three fit players: Mesut Ozil, Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey. Eddie Nketiah may be called upon more frequently now and there could be a chance to recall Reiss Nelson from his loan at Hoffenheim. But relying on such youth, however talented it may be, is uncertain.

What is especially problematic is that Mkhitaryan is missing a key part of the season. He will not play another match until February, presuming his recovery goes as expected. He will miss matches against both Liverpool and Chelsea and is unlikely to be match-sharp for a February 3rd tilt against Manchester City. All in all, he is likely to miss nine games, assuming Arsenal win their third-round FA Cup tie and Mkhitaryan is not able to play against City. That is troubling indeed.

This squad was not the deepest entering the season. Now, almost halfway through, the depth that it did have has been wiped away. The Gunners are down to their bare bones. Mkhitaryan’s injury only piles on the pain, even if he has been playing poorly. It is a good job January is just around the corner.