Arsenal are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday. Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori were both substituted early in the 5-2 win over West Ham, adding to concerns over the fitness of Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, who missed the match entirely.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel's withdrawal was not due to concussion, but related to a previous injury sustained against Sporting CP. The Brazilian defender posted on Instagram: '+3 [points] and we continue fighting together! Thanks for your support gunners! See you on Wednesday!'
Calafiori, who has been managing 'little niggles', was substituted before the hour mark. Arteta said: 'He's been dealing with little niggles... we have to manage his minutes.' Merino and Partey are sidelined with knee and muscle issues respectively, but all four players are targeting a return against United.
Ben White, however, faces a longer absence after undergoing minor knee surgery during the international break. Arteta revealed: 'Ben is going to be out for months. We had to make a decision... to protect the player.'
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal have won all three matches since the November break, scoring 13 goals. Martin Odegaard has been key to their revival as they prepare to host Ruben Amorim's United side.
