Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on three injured stars following the 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham on Sunday.
The Gunners had the opportunity to capitalise on Liverpool’s postponed game at Everton. However, they failed to do so after dropping points at Craven Cottage.
Speaking after the stalemate, Arteta was posed with different questions by reporters. One of those was on the availability of three injured defenders next week.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori were sidelined for the second successive game, while Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up an injury before the London derby.
When asked whether the trio will be back against AS Monaco, Arteta said: “I hope, but it’s more a question for the doctors and physios to understand where we are.
“We are missing a lot of players in the backline. The good thing is that whatever we put there, they respond. They respond with a good attitude and performance.”
Arsenal dominated proceedings against Fulham, but one defensive mishap contributed to Raul Jimenez scoring for the hosts in their first counter-attack of the game.
Jakub Kiwior should have closed down Jimenez better, but William Saliba also hesitated for a brief moment, which allowed the striker to take his shot.
Saliba made amends with the equaliser early in the second half, but Arsenal failed to bag the winner.
The draw could be a costly one for the Gunners. They have reduced the deficit to Liverpool to six points, but the Reds have a game in hand at Everton.
Arsenal take on Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Gunners are tied on 10 points with seven clubs but are seventh in the standings due to a better goal difference.
They need to respond after the Fulham setback with a big-margin win at home to put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the last-16.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
