Arsenal learn key Newcastle injury worry ahead of decisive Carabao Cup semi-final

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While all eyes are on transfer deadline day, Arsenal have a crucial fixture coming up on Wednesday night. 

The Gunners will head to St James’ Park with confidence despite carrying a two-goal deficit to the North East in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. 

After Arsenal beat Man City 5-1, belief in the squad was restored at the perfect time ahead of Wednesday’s battle for a spot in the final at Wembley. 

Mikel Arteta’s side understand the magnitude of the fixture after Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle at the Emirates in the first leg.

• READ MORE: The reason why Mikel Arteta took aim at Arsenal fans in Newcastle defeat as ‘critical’ point made

Newcastle fitness concern over Joelinton for Arsenal clash 

Alexander Isak humiliated Arsenal in the first leg, with a mountain to overcome in the second if the Gunners are to make the cup final at Wembley.

What was a concern about the first leg is that two key Newcastle players were absent, and are expected to be present for the return at St James’ Park.

Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar were suspended for the tie at the Emirates and will approach the second leg fully charged but, the Magpies have suffered a blow in another area. 

Journalist Joel Bland took to X to reveal that midfielder Joelinton is a worry for Newcastle as the Brazilian is seeking guidance from a specialist regarding his knee.

Joelinton was injured during Newcastle’s defeat to Fulham and is facing a possible race against time to get fit for Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old is a crucial part of Eddie Howe’s set-up in midfield alongside Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, making doubts over his fitness a concern for the Magpies.

Arsenal must go to Newcastle with confidence

It’s a possible blow for Newcastle that Arsenal must study, as Joelinton is firmly one of Howe’s first-choice players. 

After pulling Manchester City apart, the Gunners must head to St James’ Park with the belief that the deficit can be overturned, with two goals the leading margin at present. 

A statement win at St James’ Park is what stands between Arsenal and a cup final but, can Arteta’s side get the job done?

History will tell you that a victory is certainly possible, but won’t be easy to achieve, as the Gunners haven’t scored more than three goals at the ground since 2011. 

The lineup for the Carabao Cup final will be determined by the end of the week, in what could be a last chance at silverware in 2024/25 for the Gunners.