Mikel Arteta could be handed fitness boost as Arsenal winger makes positive social media post

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Arsenal face Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium coming off of the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw in the league away to Brighton.

It is Arsenal’s first EFL Cup semi-final since 2022 where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool and haven’t won the trophy since 1993, beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at the old Wembley stadium.

Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium this season but know they will have to be at their best to beat the in-form Geordies, with in-stadium VAR announcements set to be trialled across the tie.

Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of the game with Newcastle missing some key players but the Gunners have issues of their own with Kai Havertz a doubt for the game.

Saying this, one notable absentee may have just indicated he’s back among the squad to face the Geordies.

Raheem Sterling hints at availability for EFL Cup semi-final

Raheem Sterling has been missing from Mikel Arteta’s squad in recent weeks.

Sterling picked up a knee injury around the same time as Bukayo Saka’s injury, leaving the Gunners short in attacking areas.

However, despite missing the last four games, it seems Sterling may have confirmed his availability for the huge EFL Cup semi-final against the Magpies with an Instagram story post.

Arteta’s summer signing had failed to post any game content on his social media accounts before the previous four matches he missed, leading to many fans believing he may be available to play against Newcastle.

It would come as a massive boost to boss Mikel Arteta with Ethan Nwaneri injured and concerns over illness with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

Raheem Sterling hoping to continue fine EFL Cup form

Sterling has already impressed in the EFL Cup this season, contributing a goal and an assist in his three appearances so far.

Ethan Nwaneri was set for a run in the Arsenal team following the absence of Saka but with Nwaneri recent getting injured himself, this could be the opportunity for Sterling to seize his chance at a run in the side.

Despite an impressive start to Nwaneri’s Arsenal career, it is interesting to note that Sterling is outperforming the youngster this season on a number of key attacking metrics.

Arsenal have been accused at times this season of lacking creativity and penetration in the final third, so with Sterling excelling in progressive actions perhaps he could provide a much-needed spark to the Gunners.

Whatever happens in the semi-final, Arteta will be pleased to have Sterling fit and firing and who knows, perhaps the Chelsea loanee could yet have a big say in the success of Arsenal’s season.