The 27-year-old playmaker faces a six-week layoff during a crucial run of fixtures, placing immense pressure on the returning Martin Ødegaard from injury
Arsenal’s ambitions for a historic treble have suffered a significant blow following the news that attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze is set for a substantial spell on the sidelines.
The England international sustained a severe calf injury during last week’s Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
The injury forced Eze to miss Sunday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City and led to his subsequent withdrawal from the latest England squad.
According to reports from England, initial assessments suggest a recovery timeframe of four to six weeks, though the club are reportedly awaiting the results of a definitive scan later this week in hopes that he might return sooner.
If the six-week estimate holds, Eze will miss a gauntlet of season-defining matches throughout April. This includes both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, an FA Cup quarter-final trip to Southampton, and a potentially decisive Premier League title clash against Manchester City at the Etihad on April 19.
Since joining the Gunners in the summer, Eze has contributed nine goals and six assists in 41 appearances, including the spectacular strike against Leverkusen that secured Arsenal’s place in the European final eight.
Suggested Articles
“We tried everything [to get Eze fit for the game], but unfortunately he, Martin [Ødegaard], Jurriën [Timber] and Mikel [Merino] are out,” Mikel Arteta revealed following the Wembley loss.
Ødegaard and Timber nearing Arsenal return
The timing of the injury is particularly brutal as it leaves Arsenal thin in the creative “No. 10” position. In Eze’s absence during the Carabao Cup final, Kai Havertz was deployed in the attacking midfield role but struggled to make an impact.
The German international missed a clear early chance and lost nine out of his ten duels during the match, leading to widespread criticism of his “rusty” performance.
However, there is a silver lining for the Premier League leaders as club captain Martin Ødegaard is finally nearing a return to full fitness.
The Norwegian maestro has been sidelined for a month with a recurring knee issue but is currently training at London Colney alongside fellow returnee Jurriën Timber.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken confirmed on Tuesday that Ødegaard’s return is now “within reach,” with the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on April 4 identified as his likely comeback date.
With seven games remaining in the Premier League and Arsenal sitting nine points clear at the summit, the depth of Arteta’s squad will be tested like never before.