Mikel Arteta fears Arsenal’s growing injury list could derail their historic quadruple chase as key players fall.

MIKEL Arteta fears Arsenal’s growing injury list could damage their bid to win the quadruple.

The Gunners booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 win against Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

But that victory was marred by injuries to defender Riccardo Calafiori and right-back Ben White.

Italy defender Calafiori suffered a problem in the pre-match warm-up and was unable to play.

White was then forced off during the second half of the routine victory.

Captain Martin Odegaard did not feature after sustaining a knock in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Germany forward Kai Havertz is set to be absent for at least the remainder of the month.

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to be out for the rest of the season after undergoing foot surgery.

With Arsenal top of the Premier League and in the Champions League last 16, Arteta conceded the fitness woes were alarming.

“Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders,” he said.

“We are coping with that. But we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but different options.”

Arsenal face a pivotal week with a trip to bottom side Wolves on Wednesday.

They then travel to Tottenham for the north London derby next weekend before a League Cup final against Manchester City.

The Gunners enjoyed ideal preparation by scoring four times in the first 27 minutes against Wigan.

Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, a Jack Hunt own goal and Gabriel Jesus provided the goals.

Eberechi Eze, who has faced criticism for his form, finally showed his quality with two assists.

“Those players need those moments, and especially when we talk about the creative players, they need to feel that they are producing those moments,” Arteta said.

“I am very happy with that. For the mood, for the confidence, it is really a good thing.”

 The Sun Malaysia