Marco Silva Dismisses Arsenal’s Injury Concerns Ahead of Match

LONDON, England — Fulham manager Marco Silva downplayed Arsenal’s injury issues ahead of their match at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The Gunners are facing challenges with key players Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus recovering from injuries.

During a press conference, Silva acknowledged Arsenal’s fitness problems but laughed off the suggestion that the team is in crisis. He highlighted the depth in Mikel Arteta‘s squad this season. “They don’t have Madueke, they have [Bukayo] Saka, it’s not bad, not bad at all,” Silva stated.

He continued, “The other one you said was Havertz? They have [Viktor] Gyökeres who cost them £75 million. I think it’s a waste of time if you’re going to compare.” When asked about the absence of Martin Ødegaard, Silva quickly pointed to Arsenal’s other assets, saying, “They have [Eberechi] Eze who is not bad too. I think you have to move on.”

Silva also noted that he faced his own difficulties, particularly in attack. “It’s probably the worst in my time at the club because we never had both strikers out at the same time,” he admitted. Despite this, he praised Arsenal for their transfer market activity, stating, “With the long-term injury of Gabriel Jesus last season, they didn’t have Havertz, without them it was more difficult.”

He emphasized Arsenal’s strategic response to their previous challenges. “What they did, they saw it, analysed it, and signed Gyökeres,” Silva said. “Even with the injury to Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, they are ready to start with a striker.” Silva concluded by expressing confidence in both his team and Arsenal’s ability to adapt to injuries, “They are showing they have the conditions to handle it and deal with it so the level does not drop.”