Even before the dust had settled on Bukayo Saka’s triumphant return, Mikel Arteta was no doubt already contemplating how to shuffle his injury-ravaged squad in light of another potential injury crisis.
England winger Saka made an uplifting comeback in last night’s 2-1 win over Fulham, taking just seven minutes to score what proved to be the decisive moment.
‘It was a beautiful reaction from our people to show him that love, respect and admiration and he fully deserves,’ said Arteta, reflecting on the standing ovation Saka was afforded by his adoring fans.
‘His reaction straight away after scoring was to say thank you to all the sports scientists, physios and everyone who has participated in his recovery. It tells you who he is as a person, so it’s impossible not to love him.’
While Saka will offer a possible solution to Arsenal’s attacking shortcomings, Arsenal’s manager must now consider the sort of defence he can patch together in order to nullify Real Madrid who visit the Emirates in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
Arsenal’s injury nightmare
How long will Gabriel Magalhaes be out for?
Chief among the concerns for Arteta will be the condition of defensive linchpin Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazil international has arguably outperformed his usual centre back partner William Saliba this season, nulifying opposition strikers and popping up with vital goals from set pieces.
Gabriel pulled up in the 16th minute of last night’s London derby and gingerly made his way back to the dressing room.
The 27-year-old will undergo scans over the next couple of days but it looks almost certain that he will miss next week’s game against the reigning European champions.
‘They did not want any injuries and they picked one up to a very important player in Gabriel, who popped his hamstring,’ declared Tim Sherwood who was watching the game for Sky Sports. ‘It looked long term and he has absolutely no chance of the Real Madrid ties.’
What injury did Jurrien Timber suffer?
Arteta’s frustrations were compounded by the sight of Jurrien Timber trudging off with 13 minutes remaining.
The Netherlands international missed the whole of last season after he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury his debut, but has shown remarkable durability this term, hardly missing a game.
In light of Gabriel’s setback, Timber would’ve offered cover at both full-back and centre-half were it not for the fact he appears to have suffered another knee injury.
‘They are two players in this team that never want to come off,’ said Arteta after last night’s game. ‘Gabi felt something in his hamstring, we don’t know how big that is and with Jurrien as well, he was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue and at some point he couldn’t, so, that’s the downside to it.
‘The good thing is that it’s been like this the whole season. You see Martinelli today, you say we’re missing three months.
‘You see Bukayo, four months. Jesus, almost the whole season. How we have managed to be where we are with all those injuries. Ben White hasn’t participated at all this season, it’s what it is. We want it so much that we’re going to give it a real go and we are very excited for next week.’
Why did Ben White miss the Fulham game?
Arteta will be desperately hoping White can recover from the setback that ruled him out of the game against the Cottagers.
The versatile defender underwent knee surgery in November and only made his return to action against West Ham in February.
‘He had a little niggle two days ago,’ said Arteta speaking immediately ahead of a win that lifted Arsenal to within nine points of leaders Liverpool.
‘Yesterday we tried, he wasn’t feeling right, so we decided not to put him in the squad today.’
In a separate interview, Arteta revealed that White suffered the knee injury during a training session on Sunday.
‘We lost Ben the day before,’ the Arsenal manager said.
How could Arsenal line-up vs Real Madrid
Arsenal still have one more game, against Everton on Saturday, to negotiate before their glamour tie against Carlo Ancelotti’s star studded team.
While White and Timber may recover in time, it is worth noting Arsenal are also without both Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu who could have filled any number of positions in the backline.
Should none of Arsenal’s walking wounded heal in time, Arteta will have to give serious consideration to who fills the right-back spot in particular.
Thomas Partey looks the most obvious candidate given he has filled in there on numerous occasions this season, although his side’s record when he has done would hardly inspire confidence.
Jakub Kiwior, given his left-footedness, is the most natural replacement for Gabriel alongside Saliba, although he would be given the unenviable task of marking Kylian Mbappe.
Arteta attempted to give the Poland international the equivalent of a vote of confidence last night after he deputised for Gabriel.
‘The good thing with Jakub is that he’s been very reliable,’ said Arteta. ‘Every time we need him he’s always there, he’s available and he does his job. We ask him to play as a left centre-back, as a right centre-back, as a left full-back.
‘He’s ready, he’s got a smile on his face. It’s sad for Gabi but he really wanted to play as well and he will be fine.’
MORE: Three Card Brag can give Gordon Elliott another Grand National winner
MORE: Arsenal make enquiry to sign £29m Bundesliga striker as cheaper Isak alternative
MORE: Arsenal sent transfer warning after ‘holding talks’ to sign former Man City star
