Mikel Arteta admits rising injury concerns for Arsenal despite a dominant 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan, as key stars like Calafiori and White join a growing list of absentees.
Mikel Arteta has admitted growing anxiety over Arsenal’s expanding injury list, fearing the lack of personnel could derail their ambitious bid for a historic quadruple.
While Arsenal showed their clinical edge by thrashing Wigan 4-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round, the victory at the Emirates was overshadowed by fresh fitness setbacks. The North London side currently leads the Premier League and remains alive in three knockout competitions, but their depth is being tested to the limit.
The latest blow came in defence, where Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White became the newest additions to the treatment room. Calafiori was forced to withdraw during the pre-match warm-up after suffering an unexpected issue, while White’s afternoon was cut short in the second half.
Saka has replaced Calafiori in the starting lineup and will now captain the side 🚨
Ceadach O’Neill has also been called up to the bench. https://t.co/PtRuXwQpr5
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2026
These setbacks follow the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the tie entirely after picking up a knock during the midweek draw against Brentford.
Arteta is already grappling with significant long-term absences across his starting eleven. German forward Kai Havertz is expected to remain sidelined for the rest of the month, while the midfield has taken a massive hit with Mikel Merino likely out for the remainder of the campaign following foot surgery.
Addressing the media, Arteta conceded that the situation has reached an alarming stage as the schedule intensifies. He noted that the team has been forced to adapt constantly, shifting from a shortage of strikers to a crisis in defense and now a thin midfield. The Spaniard emphasized that having players return isn’t just about “making up the numbers,” but about having the tactical options necessary to counter specific opponents in high-stakes matches.
Despite the mounting casualty list, Arsenal showed class on the field. They effectively ended the contest against Wigan within the opening 27 minutes, courtesy of strikes from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, alongside a Jack Hunt own goal.
Another highlight in the game was Eze’s performance as he silenced recent critics with a creative masterclass. After a difficult period of form and a disappointing half-time substitution against Brentford, the England midfielder reminded the Emirates faithful of his pedigree.
Eze provided two vital assists, showcasing the vision and risk-taking in the final third that prompted Arsenal to recruit him from Crystal Palace last year.
Arteta was quick to praise Eze’s contribution, noting that creative players thrive on these “producing moments” to rebuild their confidence. He highlighted the midfielder’s willingness to take shots and drive the play forward as exactly what the team needs during this congested fixture period.
As the Gunners head into a defining stretch of the season, they will need that individual brilliance to compensate for the stars currently watching from the sidelines.
