Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic season has hit a major roadblock. Despite a dominant 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, the mood at the Emirates Stadium remains tense. The reason? A rapidly growing injury list that is testing the squad’s depth like never before. Manager Mikel Arteta, while pleased with the performance, expressed significant concern as key players continue to drop out of action at a crucial juncture of the 2025-26 season.
The FA Cup clash against Wigan was marred even before it began. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has been a standout this season, suffered an injury during the pre-match warm-up and was forced to withdraw from the starting XI. This was followed by more worry in the second half when right-back Ben White had to be substituted. While White later posted a somewhat reassuring message on social media (“Next round, No injuries”), Arteta confirmed that both defenders are major doubts for the upcoming Premier League clash against Wolves on Wednesday.
It’s not just the defense that is struggling. Arsenal is currently without its captain and creative heartbeat, Martin Odegaard, who missed the Wigan game due to a knee knock sustained against Brentford. Furthermore, Germany international Kai Havertz is sidelined with a muscular issue and is expected to miss the remainder of February, including the highly anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham.
The most devastating news remains the loss of Mikel Merino, who underwent foot surgery and is likely out for the rest of the season. Arteta aptly summarized the situation: “Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, and now it is the midfielders.”
With Arsenal currently top of the Premier League, into the Champions League last 16, and preparing for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, the timing couldn’t be worse. Arteta has emphasized that the team needs players back not just for numbers, but for the tactical options required to beat different types of opponents. The return of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba (after illness) provides some relief, but the lack of rotation options could lead to burnout for the remaining fit stars.
The next two weeks will define Arsenal’s season. Facing Wolves and then Tottenham with a depleted squad is a monumental task. Arteta’s tactical genius will be put to the ultimate test as he navigates these “fitness woes.” For the Gunners, the dream of a quadruple is still alive, but the margin for error has disappeared. Stay tuned to NewsNowNation for further updates on the medical reports from the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
