Arsenal fans face fresh concerns as several key players were absent from Tuesday’s training session ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter against Monaco on Wednesday. Among the notable absentees were Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, along with summer signing Jurrien Timber. Their absence raises doubts about their availability for the midweek fixture.
Arsenal’s backline has been significantly impacted by injuries this season, and the latest developments add to Mikel Arteta’s selection headache. Gabriel, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense, was notably missing, alongside Calafiori, whose recent performances have provided stability on the left flank. Zinchenko, known for his versatility and creativity in buildup play, was also absent, compounding Arsenal’s worries.
Adding to the defensive struggles is Jurrien Timber, who had already been on a long-term recovery from an ACL injury earlier in the season. His exclusion from training suggests that Arsenal will have to wait longer before seeing him reintegrated into the squad.
Mikel Arteta will need to make significant adjustments if these players are ruled out for the Monaco clash. The team may turn to options such as Kieran Tierney, who has been waiting for his chance to reclaim a regular spot in the starting lineup. Jakub Kiwior, who impressed in recent outings, could also step up as a reliable option in central defense.
Midfielders like Thomas Partey, who has occasionally played as a makeshift full-back, might also be called upon to cover gaps in defense. This makes Arsenal’s tactical approach against Monaco unpredictable, as Arteta will have to rely on less conventional lineups.
With Arsenal fighting for a strong position in the Champions League standings, missing key defenders could be a significant blow. Monaco, who boast a dangerous attacking setup, will likely look to exploit Arsenal’s defensive frailties. Arteta’s ability to adapt and rally his squad will be crucial in ensuring that the Gunners can secure a positive result despite these challenges.
Fans will await updates from Arteta’s pre-match press conference to see if any of the missing players can make a late return. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding the backline remains a major concern.