Arsenal Hit by Devastating Double Injury Crisis as Arteta Faces Midfield Nightmare
Mikel Arteta has revealed that William Saliba will miss Arsenal's Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty due to injury concerns, with the defender absent from training sessions—he'll be accompanied on the treatment table by Jurriën Timber, while Declan Rice and Mikel Merino serve suspensions.
The Spanish manager explained during his press briefing regarding Saliba and Timber's training absence: "They're not available... they're dealing with minor issues. This presents a valuable chance for us to work differently with them and ensure they're in optimal condition moving forward."
Missing Saliba, Timber, Rice and Merino represents a significant challenge. However, if there's an ideal fixture to cope without these key players, it's likely this encounter. Kairat's European campaign is already over, and the Kazakhstani side arrives at the Emirates as one of just three teams—along with Slavia Prague and Villarreal—still searching for their first victory in this season's competition.
Who Will Arsenal Turn to With Saliba and Timber Missing
Arsenal's Defensive Options Without Saliba and Timber
Arteta would probably have made changes regardless, giving essential players like Saliba and Timber some recovery time while providing match experience to Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera. These two are expected to step into the lineup, creating a defensive quartet with Piero Hincapié and Myles Lewis-Skelly—the latter has had limited playing time recently and will be eager to make his mark.
Mosquera has already filled in for Saliba during this campaign, giving Arteta insight into the young defender's capabilities. While he may lack the sophistication and calmness of his more established colleague, the ex-Valencia player has demonstrated he's a reliable substitute.
Regarding White, he served as Arteta's preferred right-back during Timber's extended injury absence. The English defender has seen his regular role diminish over recent months, becoming someone Arteta typically utilizes when protecting a lead or facing weaker opponents.
Arsenal Can Use Kairat Game As Chance to Refresh
Kairat Fixture Offers Arsenal Reset Opportunity
Following a disappointing run of just two points from their last nine available in Premier League action, with their summit advantage reduced to merely four points, Arsenal can utilize the Kairat match for rejuvenation.
Arteta characterized his squad's response to Sunday's surprising loss against Manchester United as "outstanding" and "uplifting" after a period of self-examination. "We paused to lower the intensity, to stop and consider two fundamental questions," he explained. "What are our feelings and how do we want to experience the upcoming four months.
"The response was incredibly inspiring and moving, because the message was clear. We've secured our position to compete strongly across four tournaments, and over the next four months we'll approach our games with joy, tremendous bravery and complete belief in our ability to succeed.
"This will define our approach and where we'll focus our efforts. I'm hoping everyone connected to this football club, particularly our fans, embraces this philosophy because this is how we'll navigate the coming four months. We've earned the right to approach it this way."