Mikel Arteta is now facing a full-blown defensive crisis after his side’s Champions League ambitions were dealt a serious blow. In a 2-1 win over Fulham, Gabrial and Jurrien Timber were hurt off the pitch. With Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori already sidelined, Arsenal could be without four key defenders for Tuesday’s blockbuster encounter.
Arsenal’s Injury List Grows—Can Arteta Adapt?
If there’s one thing Arsenal fans have learned this season, it’s that injuries don’t knock on the door before barging in. Gabriel, Arsenal’s defensive rock, limped off with a hamstring issue, while Timber—who had just returned from a long layoff—was again struck down by a knee problem. Arteta, sounding more like a beleaguered ER doctor than a football manager, admitted, “Gabriel felt something; he’s not sure how bad it is. The fact that he could not continue is not a good sign, obviously.”
And as if Arsenal didn’t have enough injury woes, White and Calafiori are also nursing knee problems. Throw in Takehiro Tomiyasu’s absence, and Arteta might need to start scouting defenders in the stands.
Can Arsenal Survive Without Their Backbone?
For a team that has been gunning (pun intended) for both the Premier League title and Champions League glory, this defensive collapse couldn’t have come at a worse time. With Real Madrid’s attack led by Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, Arsenal’s backline will need to be sharper than ever. But who’s even left to defend?
A Silver Lining for the Gunners?
The doom and gloom is not all at Arsenal. Bukayo Saka returned against Fulham and found the net immediately. He provides much-needed firepower to Arsenal’s attack. But with two wins in their last five league games to come, Arteta will have to find a way to tighten the backline before Madrid imposes their masterclass.
Can Arsenal overcome this crisis and pull off a European miracle? Arteta has his work cut out, but if there’s one thing this season has shown, it’s that the Gunners don’t go down without a fight.
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