Arsenal handed fresh injury concern as star brought off early in Newcastle clash

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Arsenal have been handed a new injury concern to their forward line in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash with Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

It comes during a crucial match in the campaign for the Gunners, where a chance at silverware was on the cards.

There was something of a challenge for Mikel Arteta, though, given that his team were 2-0 down against the Magpies from the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.

With Arsenal needing goals, it came as a blow in the forward line when a fresh injury worry was handed to the side during the first half of the match.

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Arsenal handed Gabriel Martinelli injury worry

Mikel Arteta opted for the same team that beat Manchester City 5-1 over the weekend, hopeful that the same goal-scoring form would follow.

The first half saw few signs of that, though, with Gabriel Martinelli one of those to struggle on the right flank.

The Brazilian was unable to break through to create a clear-cut chance, coming as a huge frustration to him and his team.

Even worse for Martinelli, the winger went down with an injury towards the end of the first half in the clash.

He was seen clutching his hamstring in the box and Arteta made no hesitation in hooking him off, even before the break, in place of Ethan Nwaneri.

It remains to be seen just how big the injury issue is, with numbers in the forward ranks already looking light.

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Arsenal could regret lack of January transfer business

If Martinelli faces a spell on the sidelines, then Arsenal are down to four recognised senior forwards within the team.

Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri would be the only players available to Mikel Arteta.

With very little wiggle room for more injuries and few chances to rotate, the lack of transfer business could come back to bite them.

Moves for the likes of Ollie Watkins and Mathys Tel were missed, with the Gunners unable to strengthen in the window.

Whether things would’ve panned out differently, is unclear, but it would’ve at least helped the side a little bit more than the current position they find themselves in.