Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta monitors his players during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Arsenal secured a commanding victory over League One side Wigan Athletic on March 10, 2024, advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in six years. Goals from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and a Jack Hunt own goal propelled the Gunners to a decisive 4-0 win. This triumph comes as Arsenal maintains a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League, prepares for the Carabao Cup final, and finishes at the top of the Champions League group stage.
As the season approaches a critical juncture, Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested significantly. The club faces an intensive three months with multiple competitions still in play.
Injury Worries Following Victory
Ahead of their match against Wigan, Arsenal suffered a setback when defender Riccardo Calafiori limped out during the warm-up, necessitating a last-minute change in the lineup. Bukayo Saka was brought in to replace him. The situation became more concerning when defender Ben White was substituted in the 79th minute after appearing to sustain a knock.
Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was unable to provide an immediate update regarding White’s condition. However, White himself reassured fans through social media. He posted on Instagram, “Next round, no injuries,” accompanied by a picture from the match.
Arteta acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding both Calafiori and White, stating, “Yeah, him and Ben are the only doubts. We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop.”
Additional Fitness Concerns
Arsenal’s injury concerns extend beyond Calafiori and White. The club has been managing the fitness of both Saka and Martin Ødegaard, the latter having been rested for the match against Wigan. Furthermore, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are notable absences in the attacking lineup. Merino is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury, while Havertz is recovering from a muscular injury, aiming for a return after next weekend’s North London Derby.
As Arsenal prepares for their next Premier League fixture against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, the team must navigate these injury challenges while maintaining their momentum in pursuit of multiple trophies this season. With the stakes high, the resilience of both players and coaching staff will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
