Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted growing injury problems could derail the club’s push for a historic quadruple this season.
Despite Arsenal’s convincing 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup, the win was overshadowed by fresh injury worries.
Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White both suffered setbacks during the tie at the Emirates Stadium. Calafiori picked up a problem during the warm-up and could not play, while White was forced off in the second half.
The injury list is already stretching Arsenal thin. Club captain Martin Odegaard missed the game after suffering a knock in the 1-1 draw with Brentford last week.
Further concerns remain over attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who is expected to be out for the rest of the month, while midfielder Mikel Merino faces a long spell on the sidelines after undergoing foot surgery.
Arteta admitted the situation is becoming worrying as the season enters a decisive phase.
“Before it was the strikers, then the defenders, now it is the midfielders,” he said, stressing the need to get key players back quickly.
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, are through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and are preparing to face Manchester City in the League Cup final.
The Gunners will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers before a crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, England midfielder Eberechi Eze eased pressure on himself with a strong display against Wigan, providing two assists after recent criticism over his form.
Arteta praised the midfielder’s attacking intent, saying creative players must continue taking risks in the final third.
Arsenal fans will now be hoping the treatment room begins to clear as the club chase what could become one of the most successful seasons in their history.
