Arsenal has been hit with another significant setback as Raheem Sterling is sidelined with a knee injury. The news comes just days after Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka would also be unavailable due to injury.

Arteta broke the news during a press briefing, stating, “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury—it’s his knee. He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.” This means the Gunners will face Ipswich Town on Friday without two of their most influential attacking players.

Sterling, whose impact on the team has been evident since joining, now joins Saka on the treatment table, leaving Arteta scrambling for alternative options in his front line. Both players have been pivotal to Arsenal's campaign, and their absence will undoubtedly test the squad's depth and resilience.

Opinion: A Test of Arsenal’s Depth and Character

Arsenal’s double injury blow couldn't have come at a worse time. With the busy festive schedule looming and critical points on the line, the Gunners must dig deep to maintain their Premier League momentum.

Raheem Sterling’s versatility and Saka’s creativity have been the backbone of Arsenal’s attacking play. Their absence leaves Arteta with a challenging task of reshuffling his squad to fill the void. Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson will now shoulder the responsibility of stepping up in their absence.

This situation also highlights the importance of squad depth in a title challenge. Arsenal has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but their ability to cope with injuries to key players will ultimately define their campaign. The match against Ipswich Town, on paper, may appear manageable, but as we’ve seen in the Premier League, no game is a foregone conclusion.

Arteta’s tactical nous will be put to the test as he seeks to keep Arsenal in the hunt for silverware. While the injuries are a setback, they also present an opportunity for emerging talents to shine. The Arsenal faithful will hope that the team can rally together and prove that they are more than just the sum of their star players.

With Ipswich Town lying in wait, the Gunners must now adapt quickly, find their rhythm, and demonstrate the resilience that is essential for any team with championship aspirations.