Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team have been facing some injury setbacks recently, with Riccardo Calafiori being the latest player to join the list. The Italian defender limped off during their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, leaving Arteta concerned about his availability for the upcoming clash with Liverpool.
Arsenal managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar thanks to a Dmytro Riznyk own goal, following Gabriel Martinelli’s shot that rebounded off the post. However, the win came at a cost as Calafiori had to be substituted in the 72nd minute due to an injury.
Adding to their injury woes, Bukayo Saka missed the game with a hamstring issue and will likely be unavailable for the Liverpool match as well. Furthermore, William Saliba will be suspended for the upcoming fixture after receiving a red card against Bournemouth.
Speaking about Calafiori’s injury, Arteta expressed his concerns, stating, “He felt something and could not continue playing, so it’s a bit of a worry.” The Arsenal manager also mentioned that Saka had not been able to train yet, making his availability doubtful for the Liverpool game.
Arsenal’s performance against Shakhtar was not their best, with Leandro Trossard missing a penalty late in the game. Despite the narrow margin of victory, Arteta was pleased with the result and praised his team’s resilience.
The victory marked Arsenal’s third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League, a feat they had not achieved since Arsene Wenger’s tenure in 2007. Despite generating only 1.8 expected goals (xG), Arteta was satisfied with the team’s effort and reaction to challenges during the game.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta said, “We should’ve scored more in the first half and the second half, I felt a bit of fatigue. Playing 60 minutes with 10 men a few days ago is difficult. We left the game a bit open but we dug in for three points.”
He also acknowledged Shakhtar’s bravery and ability to capitalize on mistakes, highlighting the importance of staying focused and disciplined in such situations. Arteta praised his team’s determination and credited them for securing the much-needed victory.
As Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool in a crucial fixture, they will need to regroup and address their injury concerns. The absence of key players like Saka and Calafiori could pose challenges, but Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
Securing all three points in N5 pic.twitter.com/L7xIgtIxuO
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 22, 2024
As Arsenal fans anxiously await the outcome of their clash with Liverpool, the team’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to shine through. Despite the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions, Mikel Arteta’s side remains focused on delivering positive results and proving their mettle on the field.
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