Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield kept their pursuit of silverware alive, but the match also created fresh injury concerns for Mikel Arteta ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners entered the tie already missing several key players, and the situation worsened when Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were forced off during the match. Their availability for the upcoming European clash now remains uncertain.
With several first-team players currently dealing with injuries, Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested during the final months of the season.
William Saliba racing to recover for Champions League clash
William Saliba remains a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury during Arsenal’s recent match against Chelsea.
The French defender completed the full match in that fixture but was later ruled out of subsequent games against Brighton and Mansfield. According to Mikel Arteta, the injury is unrelated to an earlier ankle issue he experienced earlier in the campaign.
“No, it’s the other one. We thought the same straight after the game because he wasn’t comfortable to finish the game. After the match he didn’t have a good feeling so we will see if he recovers quickly.”
Saliba’s presence would be significant for Arsenal’s defensive stability if he can recover in time for the trip to Germany.
Potential return date: 11 March vs Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League)
Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori suffer fresh setbacks
Arsenal’s FA Cup tie also saw two more players forced off before the final whistle.
Trossard appeared to suffer an issue near his hip area during the first half and was unable to continue. Shortly afterwards, Calafiori also left the field after what looked like a hamstring problem following an awkward movement while defending.
Arteta confirmed both players were withdrawn due to minor concerns rather than a clear diagnosis.
“Both of them had little niggles and weren’t comfortable continuing. We knew this could be a possibility in those conditions.”
Potential return date: Unknown for both players
Martin Odegaard facing longer recovery period
Club captain Martin Odegaard has been unavailable for several recent fixtures due to a knee problem first sustained during Arsenal’s draw with Brentford.
Norway national team coach Ståle Solbakken recently suggested the midfielder may not return until late March or early April, although the injury is not considered serious.
“The most important thing is that he recovers completely. He will rebuild and be crucial for Arsenal later in the season.”
Potential return date: April (vs Bournemouth)
Ben White still unavailable
Right-back Ben White has also missed several matches after picking up a minor knock.
The defender last appeared during Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Wigan earlier in the competition. Arteta has confirmed he is currently unavailable, though the club have not provided a specific timeline for his return.
Potential return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino facing extended spell out
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino remains Arsenal’s longest-term injury concern.
The player underwent surgery earlier this year following a serious foot injury suffered during a league match against Manchester United. Medical staff expect his rehabilitation to take several months.
| Arsenal Injury Status | Return Estimate |
|---|---|
| William Saliba | Possible vs Bayer Leverkusen |
| Leandro Trossard | Unknown |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Unknown |
| Martin Odegaard | Early April |
| Ben White | Unknown |
| Mikel Merino | Long-term absence |
source: club injury updates – 7 March 2026
Key Insights
- Arsenal suffered new injury concerns during their FA Cup win over Mansfield.
- Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were forced off during the match.
- William Saliba is racing to be fit for the Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Martin Odegaard may not return until April due to a knee issue.
- Mikel Merino remains a long-term absentee after foot surgery.
What’s Next
Arsenal’s immediate focus will be the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen on 11 March. Arteta’s medical staff will assess Trossard and Calafiori in the coming days to determine whether they can recover in time for the match.
With the Premier League title race and domestic cup competitions also continuing, squad rotation and injury management will remain critical as Arsenal approach the final stages of the season.
Which injured Arsenal player will be the biggest miss if they are unavailable for the Champions League clash?
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