Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his concerns over the club’s mounting injury list, warning that the current situation could potentially derail the Gunners’ ambitions for trophies this season. Despite the setbacks, Arsenal showcased resilience with a commanding 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (February 15, 2026), securing their place in the fifth round.
While the win maintained momentum, the team paid a physical price as injuries continued to challenge Arteta’s squad depth.
Key Injuries Shake Arsenal’s Lineup
The match against Wigan highlighted the ongoing injury problems within the Arsenal camp. Riccardo Calafiori was forced to sit out after sustaining an issue during warm-up, while Ben White had to be substituted in the second half due to injury.
Captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined following a collision in the previous fixture against Brentford, further impacting Arsenal’s midfield options. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is expected to be out until the end of the month, and Mikel Merino faces a potential season-ending absence following foot surgery.
Arteta admitted that the depth of the squad is under strain. “Yes. First it was the forwards, then the defenders, and now the midfielders suffering injuries. We are managing it, but we need some players back fit, not just for numbers but also to have options against the opponents,” he said, as reported by ESPN.
Maintaining Premier League Focus Amid Setbacks
Despite the ongoing injury crisis, Arsenal continue to lead the Premier League table with a four-point advantage. The team now faces a critical stretch of fixtures, including an away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers before the high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Arteta’s ability to rotate the squad effectively and adapt tactics around available players will be crucial to maintaining the team’s position at the top. The manager emphasized that ensuring players return fully fit is essential not just for squad numbers, but for strategic flexibility against diverse opponents.
Eberechi Eze Responds to Criticism
Amid the injury concerns, the performance of Eberechi Eze provided a bright spot for Arsenal. The midfielder, who joined from Crystal Palace in a high-profile transfer, had faced criticism for inconsistent displays. Against Wigan, Eze contributed two assists for early goals, reaffirming his value to the team.
“Players like him need moments like this. The risks he takes in the final third and the number of shots he tries are very positive. He has already played a major role and will continue to do so,” Arteta explained. Eze’s performance not only helped the team secure a comfortable victory but also boosted his confidence moving forward in a demanding season.
Wigan Shows Resilience Despite Defeat
Although Wigan suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat, the League One side earned praise for limiting the scoreline against a dominant Arsenal side. After Manchester City scored 10 goals against Exeter in the previous FA Cup round, Wigan’s ability to withstand Arsenal’s attack in the second half was noteworthy.
Assistant coach Graham Barrow acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture. “Facing Arsenal or Manchester City is the scenario any team would want to avoid in this competition. I am pleased that our players were able to show character in the second half,” he said.
Squad Depth and Rotation Remain Critical
Arteta stressed that maintaining squad fitness and depth is vital for Arsenal’s ambitions this season. With several key players sidelined, the manager must carefully manage minutes for those returning from injury while ensuring tactical coherence across all competitions.
The combination of emerging talent like Eze, returning senior players, and strategic rotation will be crucial to balancing the demands of the Premier League, FA Cup, and potential European fixtures. Arsenal’s ability to navigate this period will test both Arteta’s managerial acumen and the resilience of the squad.
Conclusion: Arsenal Must Navigate Injury Challenges to Pursue Quadruple
Arsenal’s current injury crisis poses a significant challenge as the Gunners continue to chase multiple trophies this season. Mikel Arteta’s candid acknowledgment of the situation highlights the importance of careful player management and squad rotation to sustain performance levels.
Despite the setbacks, standout performances from players such as Eberechi Eze and the team’s convincing FA Cup victory demonstrate Arsenal’s resilience. The return of sidelined key players will be crucial in maintaining momentum in the Premier League and other competitions.
As Arsenal face a pivotal stretch of fixtures, the team’s ability to manage injuries, rotate the squad effectively, and rely on emerging talents will determine whether Arteta’s squad can achieve the historic quadruple they aspire to. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the Gunners can overcome the injury storm and maintain their trophy ambitions.
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