Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be forced to take risks with returning defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White as his side faces Everton this weekend, just days before a crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
With options at the back severely limited, Arteta admitted that a decision on Timber and White’s involvement will depend on their fitness assessments. Timber picked up a knock during Arsenal’s win over Fulham on Tuesday, while White missed the same match with a knee issue. Riccardo Calafiori remains unavailable after an injury sustained while on international duty with Italy.
The situation has been compounded by the season-ending hamstring injury to centre-back Gabriel, a blow that came just as Arsenal welcomed Bukayo Saka back to fitness. “We need to find different solutions and keep competing,” said a visibly frustrated Arteta, who now faces a defensive puzzle to solve in the final stretch of the campaign.
The run of injuries has been relentless for the Gunners this season. Key players such as Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli have all spent time on the sidelines, testing the depth of Arteta’s squad across multiple competitions.
According to Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill, Arteta is considering makeshift options, including Declan Rice at centre-back and Thomas Partey at right-back—both of whom have experience in those roles.
While many expect squad rotation ahead of Tuesday’s Real Madrid clash, Arteta insisted his full focus is on Everton. He notably refused to comment on whether Saka would be rested, despite the emotional weight of what could be the winger’s final game at Goodison Park.
Arteta, who spent six years at Everton under David Moyes, is known for his meticulous approach. While recently hailed by an AI analysis as the Premier League’s “best-looking manager,” the Spaniard would undoubtedly trade compliments for good fortune on the injury front as Arsenal’s title and European hopes hang in the balance.