Arteta tells Arsenal to ´accept reality´ of injury crisis

Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal must accept the reality of their injury problems and learn to deal with them ahead of their Champions League meeting with Monaco.

The Gunners have been hampered by injuries throughout this season, and they have concerns over Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of Wednesday’s match at the Emirates Stadium.

Fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are already sidelined, while Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey also missed training on Tuesday.

Arsenal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, failing to make up ground on pacesetters Liverpool.

Arteta, though, says they cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves, telling reporters: “It is what it is. We need to accept the reality and move forward.

“We have to manage a lot of the players. Some of them probably aren’t going to be fit. Some are still a doubt. We have 24 hours to make decisions, hopefully the right ones.”

Hard at work ahead of Monaco tomorrow pic.twitter.com/1yAK5pND1D

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 10, 2024

In more positive news, Kieran Tierney – who is back in training after six months out with a hamstring injury – could make his first European appearance for Arsenal since November 2022, with Arteta pleased with the left-back’s determination.

“He’s ready and training really well and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure, the way the team is looking at the moment,” he said of Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad.

“He’s going to do that for that reason and because he’s earned it. The way he’s behaved, the way he’s been with us, he’s willing to do it. When that happens you have to give opportunities to those kinds of players.”

Arsenal are seventh in the Champions League standings, only ahead of Monaco – who began their campaign by upsetting Barcelona – by virtue of their superior goal difference.

“I’m really impressed. You see the run that they’ve been on in the Champions League. They’re a real threat with a lot of qualities,” Arteta said.