Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal could be without four key defenders when they host Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday.
The Gunners secured a 2-1 win over London rivals Fulham on Tuesday, but the victory was overshadowed by injuries to Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber. Gabriel was forced off early with a suspected hamstring injury, while Timber, who had already shown signs of discomfort in the first half, was eventually substituted in the second period with a knee issue.
Mikel Arteta was already without Ben White, who missed the Fulham clash due to a minor injury, while Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt after picking up a knock while on international duty with Italy.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta deeply concerned about Jurrien Timber after latest injury
With just a week before Arsenal face Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, Arteta expressed his frustration over the mounting injury concerns.
Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Gabi felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know how big that is,” Arteta said after the match. “Jurrien was already struggling early in the game. He managed to continue for a while, but eventually, he couldn’t go on. That’s the downside.”
The Arsenal boss acknowledged the team’s injury struggles throughout the season but remained defiant.
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“The good thing is we’ve dealt with situations like this all season. How we’ve managed to be where we are despite these setbacks says a lot about the team,” he added. “Ben White has barely participated all season. Now, in just one week, we’ve lost Calafiori, White, Jurrien, and Gabriel. But we still have others who are willing to step up, and we’re going to give it everything next week.”
Jurrien Timber injury
Jurrien Timber struggled with a knee injury against Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images)
One bright spot for Arsenal was the return of Bukayo Saka, who marked his comeback with a goal. The winger, making his first appearance since December.
Arsenal now turn their attention to their Premier League clash against Everton this weekend before shifting focus to their crucial Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.
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