Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta returns from the international break with more worries than he bargained for, as three key defenders picked up injuries while away on duty.
The team steps back into club action this week with questions hanging over the fitness of Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber—all players who have been central to Arsenal’s strong start to the season.
Before the break, Arsenal were enjoying one of the tightest defensive runs in Europe, keeping eight straight clean sheets in all competitions before a 2–2 draw with Sunderland. Now, ahead of a massive week featuring the north London derby against Tottenham and a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, Arteta has a defensive puzzle to solve.
Gabriel was the first major concern. The Brazilian, who has built a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba, limped off during Saturday’s friendly against Senegal with a thigh issue. Scans later confirmed the problem, ruling him out of Brazil’s next game. Gabriel has been an anchor at the back this season, helping keep goals out while scoring two of his own.
Calafiori, Arteta’s go-to option on the left side of defence, also missed out for Italy. He reported for international duty but trained separately because of a hip discomfort and didn’t feature in either qualifying match. There’s still hope he could be fit in time for Sunday’s derby.
Timber added to the list after taking a heavy knock in the Netherlands’ 4–0 win over Lithuania. He needed treatment on the pitch, and early fears of a knee issue were eased when images later showed the injury was a deep cut. He managed to continue for another half hour before being taken off, suggesting the damage may not be long-term.
Arsenal’s injury problems aren’t limited to the back line. Several attacking players—Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke—are also unavailable, while captain Martin Ødegaard has missed recent matches.
With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, Arteta will be hoping for positive updates as the squad regroups in London.
