Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that injuries to either Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe could ruin Arsenal’s hopes of returning to the Champions League next season.
As it stands, the Gunners are firmly in the mix to secure a place at Europe’s top table next term. They sit sixth in the table at the time of writing and four points behind Manchester United, who occupy the final Champions League position.
However, one advantage that Arsenal have is that they have three games in-hand on the Red Devils and will put themselves in prime position should they claim victories in all of those.
Ferdinand though believes that the north Londoners could falter should either of Saka or Smith Rowe be restricted to the sidelines for an extended period.
Speaking on Vibe with Five podcast, the ex-defender said: “I think Saka and Smith Rowe, if anything happens to them they [Arsenal] are bang in trouble.
“ESR is doing his thing, I’ve loved him from the beginning of the season. I think he’s one other big clubs will be looking at.
“I think Mikel Arteta is building something there, all jokes aside. Mikel Arteta is creating an environment there that I feel players are going to want to play in.
“I feel the young players he’s got there who he’s building around are exciting. I think this window is going to be big for them, they’ve got to get it right, it depends where they finish and what type of player they’re going to have to go for.”
Ferdinand is of course not far away in his assessment, with both of the Hale End academy graduates having sparkled for Arsenal so far this season.
Saka is in the midst of a hugely productive season with eight goals and four assists in all competitions, whilst Smith Rowe has ten strikes and two assists to his name.
The pair played a key role in the Gunners latest win having both found the net in the recent 2-1 victory against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.
