The latest case involves Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy defender had to withdraw minutes before Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Wigan, with Myles Lewis-Skelly stepping in. Calafiori had previously been sidelined for a month due to a muscle injury, which reoccurred during preparations for the Brighton match.

Riccardo Calafiori warms up before an Arsenal match in the 2025-2026 season. Photo: Arsenal FC

Besides Calafiori, Bukayo Saka also missed the 4-0 win against Leeds in Premier League round 24 due to a warm-up issue, despite no prior warning signs. Central defender William Saliba felt pain during the defeat to Liverpool in August; he started the game but had to leave the field after just five minutes.

Arteta acknowledged the rarity of such frequent pre-match injuries. "In my six years here, it only happened once or twice. But recently, it has recurred four times. Clearly, we need to look into it," he stated on 17/2 during the press conference ahead of the Premier League round 31 match against Wolves.

According to the Spanish coach, each incident has a different cause. Saliba's injury resulted from an ankle twist, while Calafiori's two incidents occurred similarly during warm-ups. Regarding Saka, Arteta described it as a "random" situation, as the player showed no prior warning signs.

These consecutive incidents have also increased stress for the coaching staff before matches. Arteta explained that even one last-minute personnel change forces the team to adjust numerous positions and tactical plans in a very short time.

The 43-year-old coach therefore does not rule out adjusting the warm-up routine, a familiar pre-match preparation for players. He questioned whether the intensity or even the structure of the warm-up needs to change, given that players rest for nearly 15 minutes at halftime yet can still restart the game at high speed.

Regarding squad availability, Calafiori and Ben White are likely to return for today's match against Wolves. Kai Havertz's participation remains uncertain, while Martin Odegaard is definitely out but is expected to recover in time for the weekend's Tottenham match.

Coach Mikel Arteta during Arsenal training on 17/2. Photo: Arsenal FC

Besides personnel challenges, Arteta also expressed excitement about the title race, with Arsenal still competing on all four fronts. The London club leads the Premier League, is in the Champions League round of 16, faces Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round on 7/3, and will battle Man City in the League Cup final on 22/3.

Arteta stated his confidence stems from the team's daily performance in training and how they have overcome challenges since the season began. According to the Spanish coach, the players' preparation and desire are the strongest foundations for his belief that Arsenal can maintain their ambitions across multiple competitions.

A victory against Wolves, the club currently at the bottom of the table, would temporarily extend Arsenal's lead over Man City to seven points. Arteta warned that the away trip to Molineux would not be easy. In the first half of the Premier League season, Arsenal only beat Wolves at home through two own goals, one of which came in the fourth minute of added time.

"I feel the team is in a very good mental state, eager to play. If we can maintain that energy and confidence, we can continue what we have done since the start of the season," Arteta said, emphasizing that every victory holds great significance in the title race as the season enters a crucial phase.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Arsenal.com)