Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on injury issues surrounding his squad heading into their EFL Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle United.
The Gunners will play host in the first leg of the final four at the Emirates Stadium, hopeful of picking up a positive result to take with them to St. James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta knows how important the EFL Cup could be in making the season successful, with silverware desired by fans, players, and staff alike.
With Arsenal preparing for the big clash, there are concerns over which players could be available, due to existing injury and illness.
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Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury update vs Newcastle
Heading into Arsenal’s EFL Cup semi-final match against Newcastle, there could be some clear rotation from Mikel Arteta within his Arsenal team.
There are illness concerns for Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard – with the former missing out against Brighton last time and the latter featuring from the bench.
Ethan Nwaneri is a new injury worry, while there are long-term injury problems for Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Discussing the latest injury news before facing Newcastle, Arteta told the media on Nwaneri: “Unfortunately he has picked up an injury and is going to be out for a few weeks. Muscular injury.”
There was some better news on Havertz though, as he predicted a potential return, stating: “Hopefully, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said he would be fit and he wasn’t fit.”
It’s unclear exactly who will be able to play in the forward positions, though the Arsenal academy could be called upon for the coming match to fill positions.
Who could Arsenal play at right-wing against Newcastle?
There are clear issues across the squad for Arsenal, with the right wing being one area that is particularly light on numbers after Ethan Nwaneri’s injury.
Arteta has a few options to feature there, most notably Gabriel Martinelli if he is able to play from the start – having been a substitute against Brighton after a minor injury issue.
Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard could be handed an opportunity there, should there be other players able to shuffle around in the forward line.
If not, then the Arsenal academy may be relied upon most of all, with Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia or Charles Sagoe Jr available to select from.
It remains to be seen exactly who Arteta does choose from, but there are some big issues to solve for the match.
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