Arsenal Manager Arteta Fears Injury Crisis Could Derail Season

Gunners boss worried about midfield depth as key players sidelined

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that injuries to key midfielders could once again derail his team's pursuit of Premier League glory, similar to late-season collapses in the previous two seasons. With Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz all sidelined, Arteta is dealing with limited options in rotation, forcing him to turn to more attack-minded players to fill the void in the middle of the park.

Why it matters

Arsenal's injury issues in midfield come at a critical juncture, with the Gunners competing on four fronts - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Maintaining fitness and squad depth will be crucial as they navigate a packed schedule over the next five weeks leading up to the March international break.

The details

Arteta admitted he was worried about the direction of Arsenal's season after the 4-0 win over Wigan, saying "Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, now it's the midfielders..." The manager is concerned about the lack of options, with Ødegaard, Merino, and Havertz all sidelined. This has forced Arteta to turn to more attack-minded players like Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka to fill in at midfield, which may not be sustainable against tougher opposition.

  • Arsenal have a packed schedule over the next five weeks, with as many as nine fixtures across all four competitions before the March international break.
  • The Gunners face tough Premier League matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as the two-legged Champions League round of 16 tie and the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

The players

Mikel Arteta

The manager of Arsenal Football Club, who is concerned about his team's injury crisis and the potential impact on their pursuit of Premier League and European success.

Martin Ødegaard

A key midfielder for Arsenal who is currently sidelined due to injury, leaving Arteta with limited options in rotation.

Mikel Merino

Another Arsenal midfielder who is out injured, further depleting Arteta's options in the middle of the park.

Kai Havertz

The third Arsenal midfielder currently sidelined, adding to Arteta's concerns about depth in that area of the team.

Declan Rice

An Arsenal midfielder who will likely be restored to the lineup, along with Martín Zubimendi, as Arteta looks to shore up the midfield.

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What they’re saying

“Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, now it's the midfielders...”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (wtaj.com)

What’s next

Getting through to the March international break will be Arteta's current goal, as Arsenal need to navigate as many as nine fixtures across all four competitions over the next five weeks. The manager will be hoping to have some key players back from injury by that point, particularly Havertz and Dowman.

The takeaway

Arsenal's injury crisis in midfield comes at a critical juncture in their season, as they compete on multiple fronts. Maintaining fitness and squad depth will be crucial for Arteta's side to avoid another late-season collapse like in previous years, and the manager will be hoping to have some key players back from injury before the March international break.