Mikel Arteta is facing a growing injury crisis as Arsenal prepares for a crucial encounter against Liverpool, with the latest concern being Riccardo Calafiori, who left the field injured during the team's narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, was decided by a freak own goal from Dmytro Riznyk, who inadvertently redirected a shot from Gabriel Martinelli into his own net after it hit the post.
The victory was not without its challenges, as Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Leandro Trossard had a chance to extend their lead but missed a penalty in the 77th minute, which could have made the game more comfortable for the Gunners. Goalkeeper David Raya stepped up with crucial saves to maintain the team's slender advantage, helping Arsenal achieve their third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League, a feat last accomplished under Arsène Wenger in November 2007.
However, Arteta's injury concerns are mounting, particularly with the news that Calafiori's fitness is now uncertain ahead of the Liverpool match. Arteta shared his apprehension in a post-match interview, stating, "Riccy, I don't know, he felt something and could not continue playing, so it's a bit of a worry." He further elaborated, "He had to come off because he felt something. I don't know the extent of that. So, in that sense, not great news." This leaves Arteta scrambling to adjust his squad, as he is already without key players such as Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and William Saliba, who is suspended following a red card received against Bournemouth.
The Gunners' performance against Shakhtar, while effective in securing the win, raised concerns. They managed only 1.8 expected goals (xG) from 13 shots, with just five hitting the target. Despite the challenges, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the result, remarking, "Very pleased with the result. Always difficult in Champions League." He acknowledged that the team should have scored more but noted that fatigue played a role, especially after their recent matches where they were reduced to ten men.
Arteta also addressed Trossard's penalty miss, suggesting that fatigue may have influenced the outcome. When questioned about Kai Havertz, another penalty taker, not stepping up for the spot-kick, Arteta stated, "I don't know [why Kai Havertz didn't take the penalty]. He is one of the takers, but Leo took it." This uncertainty highlights the pressure on Arteta as he navigates not only injuries but also performance issues within the squad.
As Arsenal looks ahead to their showdown with Liverpool, Arteta must devise a strategy that compensates for the absence of key players while maintaining the team's strong momentum in both domestic and European competitions. The upcoming match will be pivotal, and the team will need to rise to the occasion, overcoming these setbacks to continue their strong form. The stakes are high as they aim to secure vital points against a formidable opponent, and Arteta's ability to adapt will be crucial in the days to come.
