Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has delivered an important squad fitness update ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Molineux, where the Gunners will face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Calafiori and White Set to Return
Defender Riccardo Calafiori was a late withdrawal before Arsenal’s dominant FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic after picking up a minor issue during the pre-match warmup. However, Arteta has confirmed that the Italian is back in training and expected to be available for selection, reports
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has delivered an important squad fitness update ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Molineux, where the Gunners will face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Calafiori and White Set to Return
Defender Riccardo Calafiori was a late withdrawal before Arsenal’s dominant FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic after picking up a minor issue during the pre-match warmup. However, Arteta has confirmed that the Italian is back in training and expected to be available for selection.
Similarly, Ben White was substituted during the second half of the FA Cup tie due to discomfort. The Arsenal boss clarified that the change was precautionary, describing the issue as fatigue-related tightness rather than a serious injury. White has since recovered and remains in contention for the Wolves fixture.
Midfield Duo Target North London Derby Return
While there is positive news on the defensive front, Arsenal will still be without captain Martin Ødegaard for the midweek encounter. The Norwegian midfielder is continuing his recovery but is unlikely to feature against Wolves.
Arteta expressed optimism that Ødegaard could return in time for Sunday’s highly anticipated north London derby.
Attacking midfielder Kai Havertz is also ruled out for Wednesday night, though he too is pushing for a comeback later in the week. The Arsenal medical staff are closely monitoring his progress ahead of the weekend fixture.
Arsenal Investigating Warmup Injuries
Arteta also addressed concerns over a series of unusual injuries sustained during warmups this season. He explained that each case had different circumstances, but acknowledged the pattern is being carefully reviewed by the club’s staff.
Among the incidents mentioned were previous knocks involving defenders and winger Bukayo Saka, with Arteta describing the recurrence of warmup setbacks as highly uncommon based on his tenure at the club.
Boost for Arsenal Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
With key defenders returning and midfield reinforcements potentially available for the weekend, Arsenal will be aiming to maintain momentum as they prepare for an important stretch of fixtures in both domestic and league competitions.
The trip to Molineux represents another crucial test as Arteta’s side looks to strengthen its position in the Premier League table.
Similarly, Ben White was substituted during the second half of the FA Cup tie due to discomfort.
The Arsenal boss clarified that the change was precautionary, describing the issue as fatigue-related tightness rather than a serious injury. White has since recovered and remains in contention for the Wolves fixture.
Midfield Duo Target North London Derby Return
While there is positive news on the defensive front, Arsenal will still be without captain Martin Ødegaard for the midweek encounter. The Norwegian midfielder is continuing his recovery but is unlikely to feature against Wolves.
Arteta expressed optimism that Ødegaard could return in time for Sunday’s highly anticipated north London derby.
Attacking midfielder Kai Havertz is also ruled out for Wednesday night, though he too is pushing for a comeback later in the week. The Arsenal medical staff are closely monitoring his progress ahead of the weekend fixture.
Arsenal Investigating Warmup Injuries
Arteta also addressed concerns over a series of unusual injuries sustained during warmups this season. He explained that each case had different circumstances, but acknowledged the pattern is being carefully reviewed by the club’s staff.
Among the incidents mentioned were previous knocks involving defenders and winger Bukayo Saka, with Arteta describing the recurrence of warmup setbacks as highly uncommon based on his tenure at the club.
Boost for Arsenal Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
With key defenders returning and midfield reinforcements potentially available for the weekend, Arsenal will be aiming to maintain momentum as they prepare for an important stretch of fixtures in both domestic and league competitions.
The trip to Molineux represents another crucial test as Arteta’s side looks to strengthen its position in the Premier League table./ALLDAYSPORT/
