Guardiola is also believed to recognise the importance of players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba and Kai Havertz to Arsenal’s system.
These are footballers who bring different qualities to the team, and losing several of them simultaneously can force Arteta to make tactical adjustments that he would otherwise prefer to avoid.
Rice’s absence, in particular, could affect Arsenal’s ability to control the midfield. The England international provides physical strength, defensive protection and the ability to move the ball forward under pressure. Without him, Arsenal could find it more difficult to dominate midfield battles against opponents who press aggressively.
Ødegaard’s availability is equally important because of his creativity and understanding with Arsenal’s attacking players. His ability to find spaces, create chances and dictate the rhythm of attacking movements makes him one of the most influential players in Arteta’s team.
At the back, Saliba’s absence could also create serious difficulties. His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been one of Arsenal’s most important defensive foundations. Without that familiar partnership, Arsenal may have to depend on alternative combinations, potentially affecting their defensive organisation.
Havertz is another player whose return could make a difference. His movement, physical presence and versatility offer Arteta different attacking options, particularly when Arsenal need to break down teams defending deep.
The injury situation has already attracted attention, with reports listing several Arsenal players among those facing fitness problems, including Rice, Saliba, Havertz and Ødegaard.
Guardiola’s alleged assessment also raises an important question about Arsenal’s title ambitions. Can Arteta maintain his team’s competitiveness without his strongest possible starting eleven? The Premier League is extremely demanding, and every dropped point can become important when several clubs are competing for the same positions.
Manchester City will certainly be watching Arsenal’s situation closely. Guardiola knows that his team cannot afford to underestimate their London rivals, especially when a fully fit Arsenal squad remains capable of producing outstanding performances against any opponent.
However, the City manager would also understand that injuries can change the direction of a title race. If Arsenal continue losing important players, their opponents could take advantage of the situation by targeting areas where Arteta has fewer experienced alternatives.
For Arsenal supporters, the biggest hope is that the injured players return without suffering further setbacks. Their availability could completely transform the team’s performances and give Arteta the opportunity to restore his preferred tactical structure.
Ultimately, the message surrounding this story is that Arsenal’s season could become considerably more difficult if their injury problems continue. The club has enough quality to compete, but having the right players available at the right time could determine whether they challenge for trophies or struggle to maintain consistency.
Guardiola knows better than most that winning major trophies requires more than simply having talented footballers. It requires consistency, squad depth, fitness and the ability to survive difficult periods.