Arsenal could have a relatively threadbare defence for the visit of Manchester United on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta couldn’t rule out being nearly at full strength either.
It has become a common occurrence for the manager to offer minimal and cryptic updates when it comes to injuries and this game has been no different. There is a chance that Arsenal are without as many as six players for the match, at least four of which can argue they belong in the best XI.
It will not be until pretty close to kick-off at the Emirates Stadium that the reality of this situation becomes clear. For now, all he could say was: “We’re going to have a meeting this afternoon. We have done a training session.
In the list of those who appear to be on the fence is Gabriel Magalhaes. Arteta urged caution in reading much into his social media message of “see you on Wednesday” following the win over West Ham on Saturday. If he is involved it wouldn’t be the first time Arteta has remained coy on his fitness before putting him down to start.
Riccardo Calafiori is more likely to play after his substitution at the London Stadium was deemed precautionary rather than in reaction to another injury. “Well, he’s been dealing with little niggles in the last few weeks, obviously, he’s had a very serious knee injury and he’s doing really well but we have to manage his minutes,” Arteta explained. “Today we have to do the same.
