Arsenal could be in big trouble as Mikel Arteta faces major problem in the training ground

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Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the first leg of the semi-final of the EFL Cup.

The Gunners have a real chance of going all the way in the competition. Mikel Arteta could do what Arsene Wenger never did and win the EFL Cup this term.

The first leg is at the Emirates and Arsenal would usually be the favourites to win the game – even though Newcastle have caused us a few problems in recent years.

However, the Gunners have their backs against the wall after what happened at the Sobha Realty Training Centre a day before the game.

Several Arsenal players missed training ahead of Newcastle United clash

Injuries have been really cruel to Arsenal since the start of the season.

We’re a week into January now and Arteta is yet to have a fully fit squad available to him – one player or another has been injured at every stage so far.

Arsenal’s squad is really thin as a result, and things got worse in the game against Brighton – Ethan Nwaneri suffered an injury and will be out for a few weeks.

Despite all the issues, Arteta held a training session on Monday ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Newcastle United.

Journalist Steve Kay has revealed that just eight senior Arsenal players were involved in the session – everyone else missed it.

That is a major problem for the Gunners ahead of the big clash on Tuesday night. If they go into the game with just eight first-team players, things could get ugly against the Magpies.

Kay tweeted: “Arsenal were down to just eight first-team players in training today (Monday), with injuries and illness taking a significant toll on the squad.

“This development highlights the mounting challenges Mikel Arteta faces as his side navigates a crucial part of the season.”

The Arsenal academy players who could be in the squad vs Newcastle

If Arsenal will only have eight players fit and available for the game against Newcastle, Arteta will have to turn to the academy to fill up his squad.

The Spaniard has already given opportunities to a few youngsters in the EFL Cup this season, and some of them could get more chances.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will definitely be involved, while Ismael Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji could be on the bench again after being named in the substitutes list against Brighton.

Charles Sagoe Jr has returned from his loan spell, so there is a small chance that he could be named in the squad too.

It remains to be seen what Arteta will decide to do, but this is not ideal at all ahead of such a big game.