January was always going to be a tough month for Arsenal with the Africa Cup of Nations and AFC Asian Cup taking place. Here is a look at how those tournaments have gone for a couple of Gunners and when they are likely to be back in contention for a return to Mikel Arteta’s match day squad.
Elneny Unable to Help Egypt Past Last Eight
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny made his 100th appearance for Egypt during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, his country was eliminated in the quarter finals by DR Congo after losing a penalty shootout.
Although that loss will prove disappointing for Elneny, he can return to England in the knowledge that Arsenal remain in contention for the Premier League title. The Gunners are now 7/1 in the Premier League betting odds following their 5-0 hammering of Crystal Palace. They sit behind Manchester City and Liverpool respectively in the betting.
Elneny has not been a regular starter for Arsenal this season, but he has a lot of experience, so Arteta will see him as a great asset. The versatile midfielder has reached two AFCON finals with Egypt, and he is an FA Cup winner with the Gunners. He will be back in time for Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 fixture against Porto, as well as some crucial Premier League ties in February.
Tomiyasu Still Out with Japan
Japan progressed safely through the group stage of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, so Arteta will have to do without defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for a little longer. Samurai Blue are considered one of the strongest contenders for the trophy at the event in Qatar, along with Australia and the hosts.
Tomiyasu’s side have had comfortable victories over Vietnam and Indonesia, however, they were surprisingly beaten by Iraq, which means they did not finish top of their standings in Group D.
Since moving to the Emirates Stadium from Italian side Bologna in 2021, Tomiyasu has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players. If Japan reach the final of the Asian Cup, he will remain unavailable until late February.
Liverpool Rue the Loss of Salah
Arsenal’s title rivals Liverpool have not been as fortunate during January’s international tournaments, as their star forward Mo Salah picked up an injury in Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
The injury to Salah is a big blow to the Merseyside club as the forward has been outstanding this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions, and leading the race for the Golden Boot in the Premier League.
Salah is set to miss big Premier League games against Chelsea and Arsenal in February. The Liverpool forward has often produced his best performances against the Gunners, so Arteta will be relieved that the Egypt international is unavailable for that crunch fixture.
With a lot of football set to be played over the next four months, and with three trophies still up for grabs, Arteta will be hoping to make full use of his squad during that busy period.
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