Arsenal are facing fresh injury blows after a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan, as Mikel Arteta confirms two more players are doubts for the squad.
After a period where the first-team seemed almost fully fit, the Gunners’
merry run was tempered by setbacks that surfaced again on Sunday. Arsenal confirmed concerns over Aaron White and Calafiori, dampening what had been an otherwise flawless afternoon at the Emirates with a commanding win against Wigan in the FA Cup.
White picked up a knock with ten minutes to go and was substituted, while Calafiori remains a doubt as the medical team monitors his condition over the next 48 hours.
Regarding other squad injuries, captain Martin Odegaard missed the Wigan tie with a knee issue that flared after a half-time introduction against Brentford on Thursday. He finished the Brentford match but was seen limping as he left the stadium, and Arteta admitted it remains unclear whether Odegaard will be available for upcoming fixtures.
The injury situation in midfield is particularly tight. Kai Havertz is sidelined with a muscle problem, and Mikel Merino is racing to be fit again this season after foot surgery. Max Dowman has just returned to training from an ankle injury, and Arsenal no longer have Ethan Nwaneri available on loan duties after sending him to Marseille last month.
Arteta pointed out the trend in injuries: “Before it was the strikers, then the defenders, now it’s the midfielders.” He emphasized the need not only for bodies but for fresh tactical options to counter different opponents, noting that the faster those players return, the better the team’s prospects.
In short, while the Wigan win was a bright spot, Arsenal must navigate a tricky period of midfield shortages and lingering knocks that could impact selection in the near future. Would you agree that deeper squad depth is the key to maintaining form through this injury cycle, or should the club prioritize bringing in new midfield options even if it means adjusting their current playing style? Questions like these could shape Arsenal’s approach in the coming weeks.
