Mikel Arteta has issued a worrying update on Arsenal's squad fitness after two more key players suffered injuries during their FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic. The Premier League leaders secured a comfortable 4-0 win to progress to the fifth round, but the triumph was marred by fresh fitness concerns that threaten to derail their ambitious Quadruple bid.
Injury Blows Overshadow Convincing Victory
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup after picking up an issue during the warm-up, while England international Ben White had to be substituted during the second half of the match. These setbacks add to an already extensive injury list that includes Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the FA Cup tie with a knee injury sustained last week.
Arteta's Growing Concerns
"We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop," Arteta stated regarding the latest injuries. "Martin picked that knock on the action when we conceded the goal and he wasn't fit for today." The Arsenal manager openly admitted his anxiety about the squad's thinning resources, particularly with crucial Premier League fixtures against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur approaching this week.
"Yes, I am worried," Arteta confessed. "Especially because we are going through different phases - before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, now it's the midfielders. But we are still coping with that. We need some players back and fit to give us not only numbers but different options in relation to the opponents we have. The quicker they return, the better."
Eze Steps Up in Odegaard's Absence
In the absence of the injured Odegaard, Eberechi Eze deputised effectively in midfield, providing assists for Arsenal's first two goals against Wigan. Arteta praised the midfielder's performance, saying: "I think the risks that he took in the final third, the amount of shots that he tried to take as well - that's really positive. That's what I want from him. He is playing a big role, he's played a lot of games for us and he will continue to do that."
Wigan's Perspective
Caretaker Wigan boss Graham Barrow acknowledged the gulf in quality between the sides, stating: "Probably a relief at the end - the players really showed what they were about in the second half. The club has got to move on very quickly." The League One side put up respectable resistance but ultimately couldn't contain Arsenal's attacking prowess.
Quadruple Ambitions Under Threat
With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts - leading the Premier League, progressing in the FA Cup, and still involved in European competition - the timing of these injuries could prove particularly damaging. The club's depth will be severely tested during a congested fixture schedule that sees them face Wolves on Wednesday before the crucial North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
Arteta's concerns extend beyond mere numbers to tactical flexibility, as he highlighted the need for "different options in relation to the opponents we have." This suggests that while Arsenal may have adequate bodies to field teams, the specific qualities of injured players like Odegaard's creativity and White's defensive versatility create gaps that are difficult to fill adequately.
The coming days will prove critical for Arsenal's medical staff as they assess the severity of Calafiori and White's injuries. With the Premier League title race intensifying and cup competitions reaching their decisive stages, Arteta will be hoping for positive news that allows him to field his strongest possible sides during this pivotal period of the season.
