That is the challenge facing Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Fortunately for Klopp, he should receive positive news about the fitness of four key defenders ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on April 8 — a date marked red on the calendar. Those defenders, specifically, are Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes. All three of them have indicated that they may not be able to make the key match.
The third and latest injury scare follows Gabriel Magalhaes’ substitution after just 20 minutes of the Premier League showdown with Fulham. Only 16 minutes into the game, he was running back to defend his goal when he abruptly collapsed. This raised alarm bells right away that something was wrong with his health. After his substitution, Jakub Kiwior came on, forcing Arsenal to deal with yet another defensive emergency.
Injury Updates
Magalhaes wasn’t the only early leaver. Jurrien Timber was forced to leave the match after suffering a knee injury. Arteta’s got precious few choices as both centre backs went down early. He needs to focus on the high-stakes showdown with Real Madrid.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both missed the Fulham match completely with injuries, further complicating Arsenal’s defensive injury issues. As the Gunners prepare for a Champions League double-header, the fitness of these men is key.
“Gabi felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know how big that is,” – Mikel Arteta
The initial prognosis for Magalhaes’ injury is a grade one hamstring strain. Such an injury typically requires two to three weeks of recovery time. Arsenal medical staff would be keen to assess the seriousness of his injury. They pray it will not be as serious as the previous injuries suffered by marquee signing, Declan Rice, and young superstar, Bukayo Saka.
Reassurances Amidst Concerns
While the current Premier League pace, Bukayo Saka, hasn’t been absent from action (he missed three months with an injury this season), his absence has been felt. He just made his return in a triumphant victory over Fulham, scoring a goal only seven minutes into his comeback. Arteta praised Saka’s return and how just having him back improved the mood and energy in the stadium.
“He lifted the energy in the stadium,” – Mikel Arteta
Despite Saka’s positive return, Arteta now faces fresh challenges as injuries plague his defensive line ahead of a crucial period. The Gunners have relied heavily on the partnership between Magalhaes and William Saliba this season, making Magalhaes’ potential absence particularly disheartening.
The Road Ahead
With the Champions League quarter-finals likely on the horizon, Arsenal’s defensive depth will certainly be put to the test. Yet the club has gotten the most out of their performances this season. If they intend to go deep into Europe’s premier club competition, they need to confront these injury issues directly.
Arteta’s squad depth will be immensely tested when they face Man City. Up next, they’ll face Real Madrid – a daunting task indeed given the Spanish giants’ illustrious history in the competition. The prospect of potentially being without both Magalhaes and Timber would severely affect how Arsenal defend, too.
“They are two players in this team that never want to come off,” – Mikel Arteta
Arsenal will be watching Eden Hazard’s status closely. Fans and players alike are holding their breaths, waiting to see if key defenders will be back healthy for the crucial matches to come.
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