The Gunners look set to be without a number of key defenders for the showdown with Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage in London on December 8, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's injury problems are mounting amid a crucial week. Ahead of their Champions League showdown with Monaco and Premier League clash with Everton a number of big names missed training.
The Gunners pushed for the Premier League title last season and were fortunate to keep a number of their key players fit. They eventually came up short to Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola's side clinching the crown on the final day of the season.
This term they have not been so lucky and performances have suffered. The 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday leaves them six points behind league leaders Liverpool after playing a game more.
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Before returning to domestic matters against the Toffees, Arsenal have some European commitments to take care of. It looks likely they will be without a host of defenders for the visit of the Ligue 1 side.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both long-term absentees, although Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber missed training on Tuesday. Midfielder Thomas Partey, who has filled in at right-back this season at times, was also missing.
Speaking at his press conference later in the day, Arteta provided more details on what is turning into a defensive crisis.
"We have to manage a lot of the players," he said. "Some of them probably aren't going to be fit. Some are still a doubt. We have 24 hours to make a decision and hopefully it'll be the right ones.
"It is what it is. We need to accept the reality and move forward."
Everton will be hoping to capitalise in the Premier League this weekend after rediscovering their goalscoring touch against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, as the Blues ran out 4-0 winners.
Sean Dyche's side have also had a 10-day break to recuperate after the Merseyside derby was postponed on Saturday due to inclement weather caused by Storm Darragh.