Arsenal have been handed a triple injury boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Monaco, with Mikel Arteta expressing hope
Arsenal could be handed a significant injury boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League showdown against AS Monaco on Wednesday, as Mikel Arteta hopes to welcome back key defensive players Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The trio missed Arsenal’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, a result that further hampered the Gunners’ pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the table.
Arsenal’s defensive line has been plagued by injuries this season, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined due to knee problems. Arteta expressed cautious optimism about the potential return of Gabriel, Zinchenko, and Calafiori.
“I hope, but it’s more a question for the doctors and physios to understand where we are. We’re missing a lot of players in the backline, but whoever steps in has responded with good attitude and performances.”
Against Fulham, Arteta was forced to improvise, deploying Jurrien Timber at left-back and Thomas Partey on the right. Despite the unconventional setup, Arteta praised the adaptability and commitment of his players.
“They understand the situation we’re in, missing players since the start of the season. We’re asking them to do things they’ve never done before, and they’ve embraced it,” he added.
“Jakub was excellent. We had to change the whole unit, and they’ve responded brilliantly. Jorgi [Jorginho] also stepped in and was superb. That’s the spirit we need when players aren’t available,” Arteta said.
Arsenal, who are seven in the Champions League group, will be looking to strengthen their position with a positive result against Monaco. With hopes pinned on the return of key defensive personnel, the Gunners aim to overcome their injury setbacks and maintain momentum in Europe.
Arteta also singled out Jakub Kiwior for his strong performance in an unfamiliar defensive unit, which saw Kiwior and Timber paired for the first time alongside Partey as a fullback.
“Jakub was excellent. We had to change the whole unit, and they’ve responded brilliantly. Jorgi [Jorginho] also stepped in and was superb. That’s the spirit we need when players aren’t available,” Arteta said.
