Arsenal star reacts after suffering injury blow, he's a big loss for Arteta

Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah has sent a message on social media after suffering an injury setback.

Nketiah has been playing through injury for a number of games, as confirmed by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, but sat out Saturday's 3-2 win over Bournemouth entirely.

That sparked concerns over a fresh problem for the forward, who has replaced Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal's lead striker whilst the Brazilian recovers from knee surgery.

The Evening Standard have reported that Nketiah missed the Bournemouth clash with an ankle injury, with the 23-year-old expected to miss Thursday's Europa League fixture against Sporting Lisbon. He is also said to be a doubt for the Premier League match against Fulham on Sunday.

The forward will be a big miss for Arteta, with the Spaniard still waiting on Jesus to return.

Furthermore, Leandro Trossard is expected to be out for two weeks after suffering a groin injury in the Bournemouth win, with it being claimed that the club are 'optimistic' the Belgian is not seriously injured.

Emile Smith Rowe could be recalled to the team to play up front, a role he reportedly played during pre-season training, with Gabriel Martinelli another option.

Nketiah posts social media message

Taking to Instagram, Nketiah posted an image of himself and the team celebrating a goal at the Emirates Stadium, with the caption: "Minor setback, major comeback!"

While the forward looks likely to miss Thursday's clash against Sporting, Arsenal are hopeful of having both Nketiah and Jesus back before the international break.

Eddie Nketiah latest Instagram story suggests he might not be available for Sporting game. pic.twitter.com/D36MBc9CzA

— Arsenal FC Lovers (@afclovers_) March 6, 2023

That is according to football.london, who say that the Brazilian could make his long-awaited comeback in time for the last Premier League fixture before the break. The Gunners take on Crystal Palace on March 19.

Jesus has not played for Arsenal since the World Cup, having suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during Brazil's final group stage match against Cameroon on December 1.

But he was seen participating in warm-downs with several members of the squad after the Bournemouth win, which further raised hopes of an imminent return for the 25-year-old.