Arteta Worries About Arsenals Expanding Injury Concerns

Mikel Arteta is anxious that Arsenals expanding list of injuries might hinder their chances of securing the quadruple.

Artetas team secured their spot in the FA Cup fifth round via a convincing 4-0 victory over Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

However the Gunners comprehensive defeat of the struggling League One outfit was overshadowed by injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White.

The Italian defender Calafiori encountered an issue during the pre match warm up and thus could not participate while right back White had to leave the pitch in the second half.

Arsenals captain Martin Odegaard sat out the fourth round match following a knock picked up in their 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday.

German forward Kai Havertz is likely to miss at least the rest of the month and Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is anticipated to remain sidelined for the remainder of the season after foot surgery.

With Arsenal leading the Premier League having advanced to the Champions League last 16 and scheduled to play Manchester City in the League Cup final the Gunners manager Arteta admitted the injury issues are becoming worrying.

Yes Previously it affected the forwards then the defenders and now the midfielders he commented.

We are managing it But we require some players to return and be fit not just for squad depth but also for varied choices against our upcoming foes so their swift recovery would be ideal.

Arsenal who hold a four point lead at the summit of the Premier League will face bottom placed Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday prior to the north London derby versus Tottenham the following weekend.

They had an excellent buildup for this crucial period by netting four goals within the opening 27 minutes against Wigan courtesy of Noni Madueke Gabriel Martinelli a Jack Hunt own goal and Gabriel Jesus.

Eberechi Eze acquired from Crystal Palace last year has endured criticism for his underwhelming performances this season.

The England midfielder was substituted at half time during the Brentford game marking his first league appearance in two months.

He at last displayed the talent that convinced Arsenal to bring him on board by providing two assists against Wigan.

Those players require such opportunities particularly the creative ones as they must sense they are delivering key moments Arteta remarked. 

I am delighted with that It boosts morale and confidence immensely.

The chances he created in the attacking third along with the numerous shots he attempted were highly encouraging and exactly what we expect from him.