Full Breakdown
Arsenal Faces Injury Crisis Following Carabao Cup Final Defeat
3/24/2026, 4:35:38 PM
Overview of the Injury Situation
Arsenal's recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final has resulted in a significant injury crisis for the club, with multiple players withdrawing from international duty. Key defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, along with midfielder Eberechi Eze, have all been sidelined due to injuries sustained during or after the match.
William Saliba's Ankle Injury
William Saliba has officially withdrawn from the France national team due to recurring pain in his left ankle. The French Football Federation confirmed that Saliba requires a minimum rest period of ten days, which coincides with the international break. He played the full match against Manchester City but reported discomfort shortly after the game. Saliba's absence is a precautionary measure, and he is expected to return for Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on April 4. Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix has been called up to replace him in the national squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes' Knee Issue
Gabriel Magalhaes has also pulled out of the Brazil squad due to pain in his right knee, reported after the Carabao Cup final. The Brazilian Football Federation stated that imaging tests confirmed the injury, and he will miss upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. While the extent of his injury remains unclear, it is not expected to sideline him for an extended period.
Eberechi Eze's Calf Injury
Eberechi Eze, who was absent from the cup final, has withdrawn from the England squad due to a calf injury sustained in a previous match against Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta indicated that Eze would undergo further scans to assess the severity of the injury, with initial expectations suggesting he could miss at least two weeks. Eze's absence is particularly concerning as he has been in good form, and his creativity was missed in the cup final.
Additional Injury Concerns
Arsenal's injury woes extend beyond Saliba, Gabriel, and Eze. Jurrien Timber has also withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to a knee injury, while Leandro Trossard has been ruled out of Belgium's matches due to a hip issue. Martin Ødegaard, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is also expected to return after the international break.
Official Statements & Responses
Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment over the injuries, stating, "We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait to see the results," regarding Eze's condition. The club is hopeful that the international break will allow players to recover in time for crucial fixtures ahead.
What's Next for Arsenal
Arsenal's next match is scheduled for April 4 against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, followed by a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon on April 7. The club will be eager to have as many players fit as possible as they continue to compete for multiple trophies this season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the injuries to Saliba and Gabriel have been confirmed, there are varying reports regarding the severity and expected recovery times for Eze and Timber. Further updates will be necessary to clarify their availability for upcoming matches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A statement from the French Football Federation read: “William Saliba is unable to join the French national team's training camp, which begins this Monday, March 23.” — French Football Federation
- “Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is out of the friendlies against France and Croatia.” — Brazilian Football Federation
- “We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait to see the results.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager
