Arsenal FC Star Withdrawn Minutes Before FA Cup Tie as Bukayo Saka Steps In

Arsenal were dealt a late setback ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wigan Athletic, after Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn from the starting line-up just minutes before kick-off.

The Italian defender had initially been named in the XI for the fixture at the Emirates Stadium. However, approximately five minutes before the match began, the club confirmed that Calafiori would not feature.

Bukayo Saka was drafted into the starting side and was handed the captain’s armband. Ben White had originally been set to captain the team in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, who was not included in the squad.

Recurring Injury Concern

The latest issue marks another frustrating chapter in what has been an injury-disrupted campaign for Calafiori. It is the second time this season that he has been forced to withdraw during the warm-up, having experienced a similar situation prior to Arsenal’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion on 27 December. On that occasion, Myles Lewis-Skelly stepped into the side.

Speaking on talkSPORT commentary, former England international Stuart Pearce admitted surprise at Calafiori’s absence, stating:

“I was looking for Calafiori and couldn’t see him at all.”

With Calafiori sidelined, Lewis-Skelly dropped back into the left-back position, despite having been in contention for a midfield role. Nevertheless, the disruption had little impact on the outcome.

Comfortable Victory Despite Disruption

Arsenal ran out 4–0 winners on the night. Goals from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, along with an own goal, secured a comprehensive passage into the next round.

Calafiori’s absence, however, continues to raise concerns. The defender has shown his importance when fit, offering an attacking threat from left-back while possessing the physical attributes of a central defender. His forward runs provide Arsenal’s midfielders with an additional outlet in advanced areas.

In his absence, alternatives such as Lewis-Skelly or Piero Hincapié do not offer the same level of attacking contribution in the final third.

The extent of the problem remains unclear, contributing to what has been a stop-start season for the Italian international. Should he face a prolonged spell on the sidelines, it could prove a setback for Arsenal as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

The Gunners remain in contention for the Carabao Cup final in March, the Champions League last-16, further FA Cup progress and the Premier League title.

Head coach Mikel Arteta provided a brief update following the match, stating:

“We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop.”

For now, Arsenal’s squad depth — particularly in defence — has enabled them to cope without major disruption. However, Calafiori’s attacking dynamism offers a distinct dimension that could prove valuable during the decisive months ahead.