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Posted on February 16, 2026 9:00 pm | Updated on February 16, 2026 8:57 pm
Mikel Arteta is worried about Arsenal injury update. The Arsenal manager says his team’s growing list of injury update could hurt their season in every possible way. Arsenal are chasing four trophies this year. It will be a rare “quadruple” if it gets a right execution. But the fresh injuries after a strong FA Cup win have left him concerned.
FA Cup Success Comes With Pain
On Sunday, Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round. They played at home at the Emirates Stadium and scored four goals in the first 17 minutes. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, an own goal, and Gabriel Jesus all got on the scoresheet. It was a perfect afternoon – until the injuries started.
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori felt pain in the warm-up and could not play at all. Ben White, the England right-back, came off in the second half. Captain Martin Ødegaard missed the whole game after picking up a knee knock in the midweek draw against Brentford. The win was great, but the cost was high.
The Growing Injury List
Arsenal’s treatment room is busy. Here are the main players missing right now:
Mikel Merino is out for the season after foot surgery. He will not return until June at the earliest.
Kai Havertz has a muscle problem and will miss games until at least March.
Martin Ødegaard has a knee issue and is doubtful for the next match.
Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are new doubts after the Wigan game.
Young Max Dowman is close to coming back from an ankle injury, possibly by February 22. William Saliba missed one game with illness but should be fine soon. Bukayo Saka is improving from a hip problem too.
Mikel Arteta says the injuries keep changing positions. First it was strikers, then defenders, now midfielders. The squad is getting thin, and he needs more options for tough games.
What Arteta Has Said
After the match, Mikel Arteta was honest. When asked if he was worried about the squad depth, he replied: “Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders. We are coping with that. But we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but different options in relation to the opponents we have, so the quicker they are back the better.”
He knows the team can still win matches without everyone. But for the big tests ahead, fresh bodies are important. He will wait 48 hours to see how Calafiori and White are, and hopes Ødegaard can return soon.
📲 Mikel Merino on Instagram: “Surgery done! Already closer to be back 💪 Thank you so much to everyone for your messages and love. It really gives me even more energy to face the challenge. Vamos! 👊”
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mikel! 🙏❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/xjwU5C8sNy
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) February 9, 2026
Arsenal’s Dream Season at Risk
This season has been Arsenal’s best in years. They sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League. They are through to the Champions League last 16. Moreover, they will play Manchester City in the League Cup final. And now they are in the FA Cup fifth round.
Winning all four competitions would be historic – the first quadruple in modern English football. But injuries can stop dreams. Without key players, the team has less energy and fewer choices in big games. The next matches are Wolves away on Wednesday, then the North London derby against Tottenham.
Arteta’s side has shown fight. Players like Eberechi Eze have stepped up and created goals. The young squad has depth, but everyone needs to stay fit to keep the quadruple alive.
Hope for a Quick Recovery
The Gunners must stay smart and rest players when needed and keep winning. If the injured stars return soon, Arsenal can still chase all four trophies. The next few weeks will be exciting and important. Everyone at the club is hoping for better injury luck.
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