Mikel Arteta faces a critical test of squad management as Arsenal chase four trophies this season. The Gunners are competing for the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but injuries are already mounting. Arteta has ruled out Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz for the trip to Wolves, while Mikel Merino will miss most of the season after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.
With games coming thick and fast every three days, Arteta must rotate his squad effectively. Squad management was a fault last season when injuries derailed Arsenal's title challenge. Liverpool boss Arne Slot's approach of tapering training to keep players fit proved successful as they cruised to the title, offering a lesson for this Arsenal generation.
Arsenal have won three Doubles in the past – in 1971, 1998 and 2002 – and the current squad has a chance to end the club's 22-year wait for the title. However, they must prove they have the strongest squad by winning. While the squad is arguably the deepest, the best squad is the one that wins, as demonstrated by Manchester City's proven winners.
Key signings such as Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke have added depth, but Arteta needs squad players to step up in the coming months. Up next is a trip to Wolves followed by the North London derby – a crucial week that will test Arsenal's nerve and squad strength.
