Martinelli plan revived, Havertz decision – Arsenal predicted lineup and injury news vs Newcastle  

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Arsenal are two steps away from a trip to Wembley, with two legs to play against Newcastle United standing in Mikel Arteta’s way.

The EFL Cup semi-final awaits Arsenal, with the first leg set to be played at the Emirates.

Facing Newcastle, Arteta’s side must get most of the work done in the first leg, with a daunting second leg to be played at the atmospheric St James’ Park. 

Change is set to adorn the Emirates in the EFL Cup semi-final, with PGMOL to trial VAR announcements for the first time in English football.

• READ MORE: Arsenal v Newcastle – Free live stream, EFL Cup semi-final TV channels, team and injury news

Latest Arsenal team news ahead of EFL Cup semi-final

The change at the Emirates isn’t set to be the only tweak ahead of the semi-final first-leg, with Arteta back to square one when it comes to his attacking plans.

Just as Ethan Nwaneri was identified as Bukayo Saka’s replacement, the teenager has been dealt a blow.

Arteta confirmed that Nwaneri will be out for weeks with a muscular injury and, there are also doubts over Kai Havertz’s suitability to play.

The German has been out with illness and the Arsenal manager is yet to clear the attacker ahead of the Newcastle game.

Nwaneri’s injury throws a spanner in the works for how efficiently Arsenal cope without Saka, adding more pressure to Arteta ahead of his team selection for Newcastle.

Arsenal predicted lineup to face Newcastle United 

In what is a difficult time for Arsenal on the injury front, the Gunners have a host of crucial fixtures coming up, starting with Newcastle.

Fortunately for the manager, there’s comfort in all areas but the attack, with a full-force XI expected for the first leg.

David Raya should start between the sticks, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of him.

At full-back, Jurrien Timber could return to XI after serving his suspension, with Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left in place of Riccardo Calafiori for rotation purposes.

Thomas Partey’s terrible record at right-back must prompt Arteta to return the Ghanaian to his favoured position in midfield, where he could be joined by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

The front line is where things get tricky as a decision is yet to be made on Havertz, which could see Gabriel Jesus lead the line, with Gabriel Martinelli put back on the right wing, supported by Leandro Trossard on the left.

It’s a rather lacklustre wide duo based on recent form however, Arteta has to work with what he has, despite the fact that Martinelli is not suited to the right wing.