Despite the quick turnaround and sheer amount of games in a short space of time, Arteta made minimal changes to his starting XI. As such the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, with all three completing the full 90 minutes, again showed clear signs of fatigue with five games still to play.
Away from the action on Saturday was Takehiro Tomiyasu with the Japan international again troubled by a niggling issue which resulted in him missing the game. Takehiro Tomiyasu
After starting against Bayern Munich in the week, Tomiyasu was left out of the squad to face Wolves. Upon announcing the starting XI, Arsenal wrote: “Takehiro Tomiyasu has been left out as a precaution after picking up a knock on Wednesday.”
What Arteta has said: “He [Tomiyasu] had a knock in the game and he had a bit of swelling and he wasn’t fit to play this game.”
Injury: Knock
Potential return date: Chelsea (H) – Tuesday, April 23
Jurrien Timber
The defender has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered back in August during the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. His only other appearance came in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Timber has been in team training since before the recent international break. Despite Arteta’s hope that he will play again this season, he was not in the squad to face Villa or Bayern.
What Arteta has said: “It’s too soon,” the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. “He’s gonna play a game with the 23s and after that we will see better how he feels. He looks really good in training, but it’s that last big step, we need to see if he’s ready and how it’s going to go.”
Injury: Knee.
Potential return date: Unknown.