Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal suffered a significant injury blow in their draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Gunners played the entire second-half with ten men at the Etihad but produced a hugely impressive defensive display, holding onto their lead until John Stones turned home a 98th-minute equaliser to deny the Gunners all three points.
Arteta’s side faced criticism from the City camp over what were perceived to be time-wasting tactics, with David Raya, Gabriel Martinelli, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all going down as the Gunners boss used the delays to pass on messages to his team.
However, Arteta has suggested those were legitimate injury concerns, with a cryptic team news update given as he confirmed “a few players” were unavailable for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.
On who would miss out, Arteta said at his press conference on Tuesday: “Tomorrow you will find out. As soon as I give the line up.”
Pressed on whether any serious injuries were picked up against City, he added: “We have to wait [on] one of them.”
Raya was filmed limping and wearing a bandage on his right knee when leaving the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, though Arteta has not ruled out the possibility that the Spaniard is available to face Bolton.
Timber and Calafiori were both forced off against City, though Timber conducted a post-match interviewed and offered a positive update on his fitness.
“It's been a long time since I've played so many games, especially in seven days, so that's really good,” he said.
There has been some concern over Ben White, with the full-back playing 45 minutes at the Etihad despite being left out of Arsenal’s starting lineup due to a fitness issue.
“He will run through a brick wall for you and the intention was to try not to use him today, but we had to and I’m very grateful because he performed very well,” Arteta said after the match.
