Arteta considers radical warm-up rethink after Arsenal injury scares

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are reviewing warmup routines following four late fitness setbacks
The manager has even suggested pre match warmups could be scrapped entirely
Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are expected to return for the Wolves trip

Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal are reassessing their pre-match warm-up routines after a series of late injury scares, with the Gunners boss even floating the idea of removing warm-ups altogether.

Four Arsenal players have suffered fitness issues in the moments leading up to kick-off this season, raising concerns about whether current preparation methods are contributing to the problem.

The latest incident involved Riccardo Calafiori, who was withdrawn from the starting line up just minutes before last weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan. The defender was replaced by Myles Lewis Skelly and later diagnosed with a muscular problem.

Calafiori had previously missed a month earlier in the campaign after breaking down during the warmup against Brighton, making his latest setback particularly concerning.

Bukayo Saka also suffered a pre-match injury earlier this month before the Premier League clash with Leeds United, while William Saliba felt discomfort during the warm-up ahead of August’s defeat at Liverpool and was forced off after just five minutes.

Arteta admitted the sequence of events has forced the club to investigate potential causes.

“Big time,” he said. “They were all different situations. Willy rolled his ankle. Riccy had two very similar incidents. Bukayo rested midweek and still picked up something. It is very unusual. It probably happened once or twice in six years and now it has happened four times.”

The Arsenal manager added that warmups often serve as a final test to determine whether a player is ready, but acknowledged the current pattern is unsettling.

“Sometimes you want to test a player before the game and the warmup gives you that opportunity. But now I am more aware of it. When someone walks into my office before kick off, I feel anxious because you know something could be wrong.”

Arteta explained how late changes significantly disrupt tactical planning.

“When you change players at the last moment, you have to adjust a lot of things in the game plan in a very short space of time. Positions change, responsibilities change and you only have minutes to react.”

The Spaniard went further by questioning whether warmups are even necessary.

“What would happen if we do not warm up at all,” he said. “At half time we sit for almost 15 minutes and then go full intensity in the second half. Maybe it is something to think about.”

Arteta confirmed Calafiori and Ben White are expected to be available for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Wolves. Kai Havertz could also return, while Martin Ødegaard is unlikely to feature, though Arteta remains hopeful the midfielder will recover in time for Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham.

With Arsenal balancing domestic and European demands, Arteta’s openness to radical change reflects both caution and a willingness to adapt in pursuit of consistency and player protection.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.