ANOTHER ARSENAL MIDFIELDER SUFFERS MUSCULAR INJURY

Arsenal injury crisis continues to deepen as midfielder Fabio Vieira has reportedly sustained a muscle strain while on loan at FC Porto.

This latest setback comes after captain Martin Odegaard was substituted with an injury during Norway’s international match on Monday, compounding Mikel Arteta’s selection problems ahead of the highly anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Vieira, who returned to Porto on loan in search of regular playing time, picked up the muscle injury to his right thigh, delaying his second debut for the Portuguese club. According to reports from Cabine Desportivo, the 24-year-old’s recovery timeline remains uncertain.

Arteta is now facing a selection headache for the derby, with three key midfielders set to miss the fixture. Summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined for up to two months with a long-term injury, while Declan Rice will miss the match due to suspension following his red card against Brighton just before the international break. This leaves Arteta scrambling for alternatives, particularly after allowing both Emile Smith Rowe and Vieira to depart on loan during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s decision to loan out Vieira was aimed at giving the midfielder more regular minutes, as he struggled for consistent game time since joining the club. Despite his limited appearances for the Gunners, the club still sees potential in the technically gifted midfielder, who is known for his vision and creativity.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the loan move to Porto was seen as a chance for Vieira to regain his form, with Arsenal hoping that consistent playing time will prepare him for a Premier League return next season.

Notably, Arsenal did not include a purchase option in Vieira’s loan deal, signalling that they have not given up on the Portuguese playmaker. His performance at Porto will be crucial in determining whether he can meet the high expectations the club still holds for him.