Arsenal's Injury Crisis Deepens: Ødegaard Out, New Concerns Emerge
The injury gods are testing **Arsenal**'s resolve, with captain **Martin Ødegaard** joining the casualty list and new defensive worries emerging even after a dominant **FA Cup** victory over **Wigan**.
Key Points:
- **Martin Ødegaard** missed the **Wigan** tie due to a knock sustained against **Brentford**.
- Manager **Mikel Arteta** confirmed the Norwegian wasn't fit to play.
- New injury concerns for **Arsenal** include **Riccardo Calafiori** (warm-up pull) and **Ben White** (forced off late).
- Despite the injury woes, **Arsenal** cruised to a **4-0** win against **Wigan**, securing their **FA Cup** fifth-round spot.
**Arsenal** fans held their breath as news broke of **Martin Ødegaard**'s absence from the **FA Cup** clash against **Wigan**. The influential midfielder, a crucial cog in **Mikel Arteta**'s system, picked up a knock during the prior **1-1** draw with **Brentford**, a game where he entered as a second-half substitute.
**Arteta** confirmed post-match that **Ødegaard** "wasn't fit for today," attributing the injury to the action that led to **Brentford**'s equalizer. This development is a significant blow, especially as **Arsenal** navigates a demanding fixture schedule across multiple competitions.
The Brentford Knock: A Costly Equalizer
The specific moment of concern for **Ødegaard** came during the scramble that saw **Keane Lewis-Potter** power home **Brentford**'s goal. While he managed to see out the rest of the draw, the lingering effects were enough to rule him out of the cup tie, forcing **Arteta** into an unplanned reshuffle.
FA Cup Triumph Overshadowed by Fresh Fitness Fears
Despite the injury news, **Arsenal** delivered a clinical performance against **Wigan**, securing their place in the fifth round with a resounding **4-0** victory. Goals from **Noni Madueke**, **Gabriel Martinelli**, **Gabriel Jesus**, and a **Jack Hunt** own goal highlighted a dominant first-half display.
However, the celebratory mood was somewhat muted by two additional injury scares. Defender **Riccardo Calafiori**, slated to start, pulled up in the warm-up, necessitating a late change with **Bukayo Saka** stepping in. Later in the game, **Ben White** was also forced off, adding to the growing list of concerns for the Gunners' backline.
**Arteta** addressed the new issues directly: "[Calafiori] and **Ben [White]** are the only doubts. We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop." The uncertainty surrounding key defenders could pose a significant challenge for upcoming fixtures.
Defensive Shakes: Calafiori and White's Setbacks
The potential absence of **Calafiori** and **White** creates a headache for **Arteta**, particularly in defensive depth. **White** has been a consistent performer, while **Calafiori**'s versatility offers valuable cover. Losing either or both would force more changes and potentially stretch the squad further.
Midfield Woes Persist: Arteta's Growing Headache
The midfield has been a persistent area of concern for **Arsenal** this season, with **Kai Havertz** sidelined by a muscle injury and **Mikel Merino** facing a lengthy recovery from foot surgery. The cumulative effect of these absences, now compounded by **Ødegaard**'s knock, highlights the need for reinforcements or swift recoveries.
**Arteta** voiced his frustration, stating, "Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, now it's the midfielders. But we are still coping with that, but we need some players back and fit, to give us as well not only numbers but different options in relation to the opponents that we have. So the quicker the better."
Relentless Gunners Look Ahead to Wolves Challenge
The resilient **Arsenal** squad now turns its attention back to the **Premier League**, aiming to capitalize on their **FA Cup** momentum. They travel to face bottom-side **Wolves** on Wednesday night, seeking to extend their lead at the top of the table and pull further away from rivals like **Manchester City**.
**Wolves**, who also progressed in the **FA Cup** by edging out **Grimsby**, will be looking to build on that result to end a dismal run of form in the league. For **Arsenal**, the match is crucial to maintain their title charge, even as they contend with a mounting injury list.
Arteta Praises Squad's Resilience Against Wigan
Despite the underlying injury worries, **Arteta** lauded his side's performance against **Wigan**. He praised their "real desire" and "intensity," especially given the significant changes made to the starting XI. The manager expressed satisfaction with how the team clicked, caused damage, and scored "incredible goals" to secure progression.
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