Arteta Wonders if Injuries Will Hurt Arsenal's Quadruple Bid

Arteta concerned over growing injury list affecting Arsenal's title hopes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaks on injury crisis after Wigan win. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal face injury worries as key players miss Wigan match.

“Those players need those moments, and especially when we talk about the creative players...”

Mikel Arteta is worried that Arsenal's increasing injury list might hurt their chances of winning the quadruple. The Gunners secured a spot in the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 win over Wigan, but injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White have added to their concerns.

💬 "The team showed real desire."

Mikel reacts to our FA Cup fourth round victory 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2026

Arteta's team has been hit by a wave of injuries, with Kai Havertz out for the rest of the month and Mikel Merino expected to miss the rest of the season. Martin Odegaard also missed the Wigan match due to a knock sustained in the 1-1 draw against Brentford.

However, the Gunners' ruthless dismissal of the League One strugglers was marred by injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White.

Italy defender Calafiori suffered a problem in the pre-match warm-up and was unable to play, while right-back White was forced off in the second half.

Arsenal's captain Martin Odegaard is out of the fourth round tie due to a knee injury from their 1-1 draw against Brentford. Kai Havertz, the Germany forward, won't be back until at least the end of the month with a muscle issue. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino, the Spain midfielder, is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing foot surgery.

Arsenal's injury crisis is getting alarming, admits boss Mikel Arteta. With a packed schedule and key players like Calafiori and White out, the pressure's on Arteta to manage the squad.

“Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders,” he said.

“We are coping with that. But we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but different options in relation to the opponents we have, so the quicker they are back the better.”

Arsenal is currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League and is gearing up for a crucial week, with matches against Wolves and Tottenham. They had an impressive start to their FA Cup match against Wigan, scoring four goals in the first 27 minutes through Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, a Jack Hunt own goal, and Gabriel Jesus.

However, their preparations were somewhat overshadowed by injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White. Manager Mikel Arteta is concerned about the growing injury list, which could impact their title bid. With key players like Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino out, Arteta will need to get creative with his squad.

Eberechi Eze turned his season around with a sparkling performance against Wigan, notching two assists. The England midfielder had struggled for form since joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace, but he silenced critics with his impactful display.

“Those players need those moments, and especially when we talk about the creative players, they need to feel that they are producing those moments,” Arteta said.

“I am very happy with that. For the mood, for the confidence, it is really a good thing.

“The risks he took in the final third and the amount of shots that he tried to take too, it was really positive and that is what we want from him.”