Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round, but two of Mikel Arteta’s key players have joined the club’s long-term injury list.
Ben White was forced to come on as a substitute in Arsenal’s win over Wigan (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manager Mikel Arteta fears Arsenal’s quadruple signing plans could be derailed after Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White join the club’s long-term injury list.
The Premier League leaders defeated League One side Wigan 4-0 to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. However, the Italy defender was forced off with an injury during the warm-up and White came on as a substitute in the second half, but it is understood there are no concerns about the England player.
Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino are already sidelined, while captain Martin Odegaard has been left out of the FA Cup squad after sustaining a knee injury last week.
“We have to wait and see how things develop over the next 48 hours,” Arteta said. “Martin chose that move when we conceded a goal. He wasn’t suitable today.”
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read more: Ebelesi Eze gives Mikel Arteta a timely reminder as Arsenal beat Wigan in the FA Cupread more: Arsenal beat Wigan as Mikel Arteta keeps his dream of winning the quadruple title alive – 5 talking points
Arsenal play Wolves on Wednesday and Tottenham on Sunday. Asked if he was worried about his squad being thin due to injuries, the Gunners manager said: “Yes, especially with the difficulties we are going through right now. Before we were strikers, then we were defenders, now we are midfielders, but we are still dealing with it.”
“We need some players to come back and condition themselves and give us different options, not just numbers, but in relation to our opponents. So the faster they are, the better.”
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Riccardo Calafioli lined up on the start line before spotting a problem during warm-up
Ebelesi Eze replaced Odegaard in midfield and assisted the first two goals. “I think the risks he took in the final third and the number of shots he tried to take was also very positive. That’s what I want from him,” Arteta said.
“He plays a big role. He has played a lot of games for us and will continue to do so.”
Wigan interim manager Graham Barrow said: “I think it was probably the relievers at the end, but the players showed their true colors in the second half. The club has to move on very quickly.”
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