Arsenal training
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are struggling with a mounting injury crisis in defence, with seven first-team players reportedly absent from training ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against Monaco on Wednesday.
The Gunners have faced persistent injury woes since the start of the season, and recent setbacks have left Mikel Arteta’s side further depleted. Key defenders Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all been sidelined in recent weeks.
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber, who have been vital in filling gaps across the backline, were also missing from the latest training session. Gabriel, who was forced off during Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham in late November, continues to recover from a knock aggravated against Sporting Lisbon.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided an update on the injury situation. “We have to manage a lot of players, so they’re probably not going to be fit for tomorrow and are a doubt. I still have 24 hours to make those decisions and hopefully the right ones,” the Spaniard said.
Arsenal
Arsenal defensive options Thomas Partey, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jurrien Timber are facing late fitness tests ahead of the Monaco clash (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta also hinted at the possible availability of young right-back Josh Nichols, although the 18-year-old is not yet fully fit. “He’s been having some issues; we still don’t know if he’s available or not,” Arteta explained.
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In the absence of White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Partey has been deployed at right-back in recent weeks, while Timber has stepped into a left-sided defensive role to compensate for Calafiori’s injury.
There was, however, a glimmer of positive news as Arteta confirmed the return of Kieran Tierney to full training. The Scottish international, sidelined since Euro 2024, is set to feature soon. “He is ready and he’s training really well,” Arteta said. “He’s going to have an opportunity for sure with the way the team is looking at the moment. He’s earned it with the way he’s behaved and how willing he’s been to contribute.”
Arsenal will hope to overcome their injury struggles as they look to secure a crucial result against Monaco and maintain their Champions League ambitions.
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