Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night came at a heavy cost, as injuries continue to pile up for manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners secured a crucial three points, moving them to seven points from three games in the competition, but the victory was marred by another injury blow—this time to defender Riccardo Calafiori.
With key players already sidelined, Arteta is facing a potential selection headache ahead of Arsenal’s highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Liverpool on Sunday.
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The injury to Riccardo Calafiori, who limped off with a knee issue late in the second half, adds to an already concerning injury list for Arsenal.
The Gunners were without captain Martin Odegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka for the match, both of whom are dealing with long-term injuries.
Calafiori’s availability for the crucial match against Liverpool now hangs in the balance, and Arteta’s concerns are growing with each passing game.
Arteta acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “With Riccy, he had to come off because he felt something. I don’t know the extent of it, but it’s not good news. It’s a bit of a worry.” The manager’s tone reflects the mounting pressure he faces as his squad becomes increasingly depleted.
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive woes, Jurrien Timber is still battling to regain fitness, while central defender William Saliba will miss the Liverpool match due to suspension following his red card in the weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth.
These absences leave Arteta with limited options at the back, and the team’s depth will be tested as they prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of the season.
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Despite these injury setbacks, Arsenal managed to grind out a 1-0 win against Shakhtar, albeit in a scrappy fashion. The only goal came courtesy of an own goal by Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, who had earlier saved a penalty from Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners created plenty of chances, particularly in the first half, but were unable to kill the game off, which nearly cost them as Shakhtar grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Arteta’s decision to substitute Ben White at halftime, a move that initially raised concerns of yet another injury, was later explained by the manager. “It was my decision to take him out. He had a yellow card, and we have played enough with 10 men in recent periods,” Arteta said, alluding to the team’s recent struggles with red cards. White’s exit was purely tactical, a relief for Arsenal fans who feared more bad news on the injury front.
In attack, Trossard took the penalty in a surprising move, despite Kai Havertz being one of the designated takers. Arteta clarified the situation post-match: “I don’t know (why Havertz didn’t take it). He is one of the takers, but Leo took it.” Arsenal’s failure to convert the penalty could have been costly, but the team held on thanks to a superb stoppage-time save by goalkeeper David Raya, who denied Pedrinho from close range.
Despite the mounting injuries, Arsenal’s resilience has been commendable. Their ability to grind out wins, even with a weakened squad, is a testament to the character Arteta has instilled in his team. “Very pleased with the result. Always difficult in the Champions League. We should’ve scored more in the first half, and the second half I felt a bit of fatigue,” Arteta said after the match.
The fatigue Arteta referenced is likely a result of the physically and emotionally draining encounter with Bournemouth just days before, where Arsenal played with 10 men for over 60 minutes.
That match ended in a 2-1 defeat, and the Gunners were clearly still feeling the effects of that effort during the second half against Shakhtar.
As Arsenal now look ahead to their Premier League clash with Liverpool, Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of key players. Bukayo Saka remains a doubt for the match, and Arteta sounded pessimistic about his chances of featuring on Sunday.
With Calafiori, Timber, and Saliba all unavailable, Arteta’s options are dwindling, particularly in defense. The match against Liverpool, who currently sit at the top of the Premier League, will be a true test of Arsenal’s squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Shakhtar’s Challenges Off the Pitch
While Arteta’s injury woes dominate the headlines, Shakhtar Donetsk’s challenges extend beyond the football pitch.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has forced the team to adopt a grueling travel schedule, something coach Marino Pusic highlighted after the match. “Our schedule is tough to travel. When I see the attitude and the positivity, I’m proud,” Pusic said, explaining that the team must endure long journeys back to Poland and Ukraine after each away fixture.
Pusic’s comments provide important context for Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign, as the logistical challenges they face undoubtedly impact their performances.
Despite these hardships, Shakhtar showed resilience against Arsenal, growing into the game and nearly snatching a late equalizer. Pusic has every reason to be proud of his team, even if they were ultimately on the wrong side of the result.
