Ethan Nwaneri fitness update after West Ham substitution

Posted by author February 23, 2025 Sports

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Ethan Nwaneri fitness update after West Ham substitution

Ethan Nwaneri limped off in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham, adding to the club’s injury concerns.

Mikel Arteta downplayed worries, but with key players already sidelined, the Gunners face another anxious wait.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal is challenged by Oliver Scarles and Edson Alvarez of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Ethan Nwaneri was seen limping as he left the pitch during Arsenal’s humiliating 1-0 home defeat to West Ham, adding yet another concern to a squad already decimated by injuries. Mikel Arteta, however, attempted to downplay fears after the match, stating, “It was just fatigue, I think.”

Any Nwaneri setback now could hardly be worse for Arsenal, a damming indictment of where the squad finds itself. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz are all sidelined, leaving Arteta with limited attacking options as the title race begins to slip away.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu also ruled out for the season following knee surgery, Arsenal’s depth is being tested to breaking point.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Referee Craig Pawson reviews the VAR monitor, resulting in Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal (not pictured) receiving a red card, for denying a potential goal-scoring opportunity during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s sending-off only compounded Arsenal’s frustrations, with the 18-year-old receiving a red card after a VAR intervention ruled he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity to Mohammed Kudus.

With David Raya stranded in the middle of the pitch, it was hard to argue.

MLS had been rested for the game against West Ham with the midweek match against Nottingham Forest in mind, a game he will now miss through suspension.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Referee Craig Pawson shows a red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) — Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

It was a day where Arsenal dominated possession but lacked any cutting edge, leaving Arteta fuming at his side’s failure to capitalise on 20 shots.

“I’m very disappointed. Very angry as well. Even with all the ball we had and 20 shots, I never felt that we were at the standard that we needed,” Arteta said after the match

The defeat has left Arsenal staring at the possibility of an 11-point gap should Liverpool beat Manchester City today, a scenario that would all but end their title challenge with just 12 games to go.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks dejected after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) — Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

For Nwaneri, the focus now turns to his fitness ahead of a critical period for Arsenal. His withdrawal may well have been precautionary, but in a season defined by injury setbacks, Arteta will know better than to take any risks.

If Nwaneri’s issue proves more serious, it could be yet another devastating blow in a season where injuries and luck, not just opponents, have been Arsenal’s greatest adversary.