FOOTBALL
Posted on February 19, 2026 12:40 am | Updated on February 18, 2026 11:09 pm
Arsenal fans can breathe easy. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are both okay and ready for the tough trip to Wolves on Wednesday night. The Gunners are top of the Premier League and need every player fit as they chase the title.
Small Scare After Big FA Cup Win
On Sunday, Arsenal beat Wigan 4-0 in the FA Cup. But there were worries. Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori, 23, felt a knock during the warm-up and could not play. Right-back Ben White, who came on as a sub, was taken off late in the game looking a bit sore.
The fans feared the worst. Arsenal have already had many injuries this season. Moreover, losing two more defenders before a busy week would be bad news. But Arteta spoke to the press on Tuesday and gave everyone a big smile.
Arteta’s Simple and Positive Update
The boss was clear and calm. About Calafiori he said: “He’s fine. He was training with us today, he is feeling better and hopefully he’s fit for tomorrow.” For Ben White, Mikel Arteta explained it was nothing serious: “It was just a bit of fatigue. He did a lot in the game and by the end of it he was feeling a bit of tightness in the hamstring, but he’s fine.”
Both players trained on Tuesday. That means they have a good chance to start or be on the bench when Arsenal travel to Molineux to face bottom-of-the-table Wolves in the Premier League. Arteta also gave hope for the weekend. Captain Martin Odegaard and striker Kai Havertz could be back for the big north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
🚨BREAKING: Huge positive update from Mikel Arteta on team news.
Riccardo Calafiori is in training and is fine.
Ben White is in training and is fine.
Martin Ødegaard should be fit for the North London Derby on Sunday.
Kai Havertz has a chance to be fit for the game tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/6bxrcUnQX3
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) February 17, 2026
Why Calafiori and White Are So Important
Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal last summer from Bologna. The young Italian is quick, strong and loves to attack down the left side. He has been a big hit and fans already call him a future star. Ben White is Mr Reliable. He can play right-back or centre-back and almost never makes mistakes. He is calm on the ball and helps the team build attacks from the back.
Together with William Saliba and Gabriel, they make Arsenal’s defence one of the best in England. When they are fit, the Gunners keep more clean sheets and win more games.
Perfect Timing in a Massive Schedule
Arsenal are still in four competitions i.e., Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Carabao Cup. They play every few days. Resting players is important, but injuries can break a team. This good news means Arteta can pick his best defence against Wolves. A win at Molineux would keep Arsenal four points clear at the top. It would also give the squad confidence before the derby.
What Happens Next?
First, the Wolves game on Wednesday. Wolves are fighting to stay in the Premier League, so they will fight hard at home. But Arsenal are in great form after the Wigan win. Then comes the north London derby. Tottenham will be tough, and having Odegaard and Havertz possibly back would be massive. If Calafiori and White stay fit, Arsenal’s defence stays solid. That could be the key to winning the league for the first time since 2004.
A Big Boost for the Gunners
In simple words, this is excellent news for Arsenal. Two important defenders are fine after small worries. Mikel Arteta can now focus on beating Wolves and keeping the title dream alive. The whole squad is in a strong position. With everyone pushing together, the fans believe the Premier League trophy can finally come back to the Emirates Stadium.
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