Arteta Sounds Alarm: Arsenal Face Mounting Injury Crisis as Star Defender Joins Growing Casualty List

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta cautioned that it was "risky" to keep William Saliba on the field for the entire 90 minutes during Saturday's triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he had little alternative after Ben White was substituted in the opening period.

Several elements of the 2–1 victory left Arteta frustrated. The squad's defensive solidity came under heavy criticism while the offensive power of a team that required two own goals to defeat the league's bottom side received harsh words from the displeased coach.

Arteta also expressed concern about the escalating injury problems that appear to intensify their hold on the Gunners following every match.

Saliba's unexpected comeback this weekend extended much longer than Arteta had hoped after White suffered an injury in the first thirty minutes. Already missing Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and the banned Riccardo Calafiori, there was no chance for the defender's playing time to be carefully monitored.

"We had to gamble with Willy," Arteta worried. "It likely wasn't the wisest decision to have him play the full match because we were inviting another injury. But we have no alternatives. That's risky, without question."

Saliba seemed to emerge from the match without harm and won't be required to play for at least another week as Arsenal receive some welcome relief in the coming days. Nevertheless, the prognosis for White wasn't as positive.

Arteta Gives Update on Ben White Injury

During a brief moment of attacking play in a lackluster first half at the Emirates on Saturday evening, Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan launched a solo run forward following the breakdown of an Arsenal long throw. The South Korean was pursued by several red-shirted players but still managed to test David Raya with a shot.

White was among those giving chase before suddenly stopping and grabbing the back of his thigh. Arteta confirmed after the match that it "appears to be a hamstring" problem for the returning fullback and couldn't offer any assessment of its seriousness. "We're unsure of the severity," he admitted.

Nevertheless, the manager had thoughts about what caused this setback: excessive workload.

"Clearly he hasn't accumulated many minutes due to his earlier knee problem, then once he began building rhythm he was forced to play extensively because we had no other options," Arteta lamented.

With White now joining Mosquera and Gabriel in the treatment room, Timber has lost any backup support. The adaptable Dutch player has been extremely valuable stepping into central defense but will now be required at right back until White or Mosquera regain full fitness—which might not be until 2026.

Arsenal's Shrinking Defensive Resources