Portugal Colonial - Arteta urges Arsenal to enjoy "beautiful" run-in despite injury woes

The Brazilian centre-back added to Arteta's woes with a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fulham that will require surgery.

Bukayo Saka came off the bench to score in his first appearance for over three months after suffering a similar injury in December.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are already ruled out for the season, while defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Jurrien Timber are all doubts for the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

"It was a tough one to digest because we just got Bukayo back and then we lost Gabi," said Arteta on Friday.

"But the team reacted like it has reacted all season. I’m really proud of that and we know that he's going to be out for a while, so we need to find different solutions and keep competing the way we have been all season.

"We've come so far and now we have the most important, beautiful part of the season.

"We have to react to those things, and that means that other players are going to have opportunities to play and the team has to find other ways. It is a big miss undoubtedly, but we have the resources to cope with that."

Saka struck just seven minutes into his comeback against Fulham and Arteta suggested the England international could be handed a start in Saturday's trip to Everton to build up his fitness ahead of the visit of Madrid three days later.

"He needs exposure and he's going to have exposure," added Arteta.

"He played against Fulham and he felt really well, he scored a goal and he wants more. It is clear in the last two days that he wants more, is demanding more, and that's a good sign.

"But the biggest game for us is Everton. And the best way to prepare for Real Madrid is to do what we have to do to beat Everton."

A.Motta--PC