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The Gunners remain unbeaten in 21 games across all competitions this season, and that has been a huge positive since Unai Emery took over the reins at Arsenal.
However, the inevitable is beginning to creep into the squad at a very crucial time of the season, as they definitely need the full depth of their squad to play games in the Europa League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Premier League.
Although the Europa League group stage is winding up and is set to resume next year, the importance of having first team players fit and ready to go when called upon cannot be overemphasised.
Lets take a look at Arsenal's injury list at the moment.
#1 Danny Welbeck
The England international saw his chances limited before his injury against Sporting Lisbon, due to the fine form of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, his impact off the bench has been impressive, coming on and scoring vital goals in the Premier League, as well as the Europa League.
Although Arsenal has not felt his impact to a considerable extent because Lacazette and Aubameyang are still fit, anytime any of these players go down in pain during a game, everybody connected to Arsenal will definitely have their hearts in their mouths, as they cannot afford to lose any of the players.
On 12 November, Arsenal released a statement on their official website, which indicates that his comeback date is unknown.
#2 Rob Holding
The England defender has been very impressive this season, being one of Arsenal's most consistent defenders.
The injury he suffered against against United comes at a very crucial time for The Gunners who are short of defensive options. The likes of Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal are still working their way to full fitness.
According to Arsenal.com, Rob Holding has been ruled out between the periods of 6-9 months.
#3 Shkodran Mustafi
Mustafi limped off against Huddersfield at the weekend, causing another injury concern for The Gunners to deal with, although it seems the injury may not be as serious as first feared.
This is what Emery had to say on Shkodran Mustafi's injury:
“Yes (it was a hamstring problem), but I think he will be OK."
Considering the fact that he will be absent against Southampton, he could play against Qarabag in the Europa League on Wednesday if he is declared fit.
The way forward
Arsenal have to keep Auba and Laca fit if they are to challenge for honours and achieve their objectives this season. Lacazette and Aubameyang are key to Arsenal at the moment, and they will have to find a way to get them firing on all cylinders and fit as well.
Arsenal hope to have Dinos Mavropanos back before the end of the year, and they have already welcomed their #1 captain, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal back from injury.
Undoubtedly, they are coming back at the very right time, and hopefully they will hit the ground running.
Arsenal's suspensions
Granit Xhaka missed the game at United last week due to being suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards this season.
A number of Arsenal's players have also been suspended. Earlier, we mentioned Shkodran Mustafi who limped off injured against Huddersfield, however he also picked up his fifth booking of the season, which will see him miss the game at Southampton next Sunday.
His defensive partner, Sokratis, is also suspended for the game as well, and is certain to be missing inaction when The Gunners travel to Saint Mary's to take on The Saints.
However, the positive is that they will get the needed rest to be ready for the winter round of fixtures. This leaves Arsenal with Koscielny as the senior recognised centre back in the team, and Nacho Monreal who can deputise as a centre back when needed.
Another player on the edge is Lucas Torreira. He has so far been booked four times already this season, and is only a booking away from being suspended. Arsenal can only hope that he does not receive this booking at a bad time, and get suspended for crucial games in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham, or the crucial home game against Liverpool later in December.
Hector Bellerin and Matteo Guendouzi are the other players who are two yellow cards away from a suspension. Hopefully, it will not come at a crucial time for The Gunners.
