Arteta Voices Concern Over Arsenal's Mounting Injury List
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has openly admitted that a growing injury crisis within his squad could jeopardise the club's pursuit of multiple trophies this season. This concern comes despite the Gunners comfortably securing their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over League One side Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
Key Players Sidelined Ahead of Critical Fixtures
The injury woes deepened during the match, with defender Riccardo Calafiori suffering a problem in the warm-up that prevented him from starting. Full-back Ben White was then forced off during the second half, adding to the defensive concerns. Captain Martin Odegaard was entirely absent from the squad after picking up a knock in Arsenal's recent 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford.
The situation is compounded by longer-term absences. Forward Kai Havertz is expected to be unavailable for at least the remainder of the month, while midfielder Mikel Merino is likely out for the rest of the campaign following foot surgery.
Arteta's Candid Assessment of Squad Depth
When questioned about whether the thinning squad was a worry, Arteta responded frankly. "Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders getting injured," he stated. "We are coping with that. But we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but for different options in relation to the opponents we have, so the quicker they are back the better."
This admission highlights the tactical challenges Arteta faces as Arsenal, currently four points clear at the summit of the Premier League, prepare for a demanding schedule. They travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday before a pivotal North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.
Comfortable Cup Progression Amidst Concerns
On the pitch against Wigan, Arsenal's quality shone through as they cruised into the next round, keeping alive their outside chance of an unprecedented quadruple. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, an own goal from Jack Hunt, and Gabriel Jesus all found the net within a devastating 17-minute spell in the first half.
A notable positive was the performance of Eberechi Eze. The £68 million marquee signing from Crystal Palace, who has faced criticism for his form this season, provided assists for Arsenal's first two goals. Arteta praised his contribution, noting it was crucial for the player's confidence and creativity.
Opposition Perspective on the Defeat
To their credit, managerless Wigan avoided a more severe defeat, a fate that befell Exeter City in the previous round when they conceded ten goals to Manchester City. Wigan's assistant manager, Graham Barrow, acknowledged the daunting task. "It can happen. Manchester City showed in the last round they can do it to anybody, and City and Arsenal are the two teams you don't want to play in this situation," he said.
Barrow added, "You want someone good to come out of the hat, but I always said be careful what you wish for, and we saw that today. It was probably relief at the end that the players showed what they were about in the second half."
As Arsenal navigate this period of squad depletion, Arteta's ability to manage his resources will be critically tested in the coming weeks, with their ambitions in the Premier League and FA Cup hanging in the balance.
