Find out the latest news from the field as Arsenal prepare to host Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this Tuesday evening. The challenges are piling up for Mikel Arteta as he navigates a wave of injuries and illnesses hitting his squad.
The Gunners manager revealed that only eight first-team players were able to take part in training on Monday morning, with several players sidelined due to a mix of injuries and a virus which has affected the squad. Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard both face doubts over their participation due to illness, while promising 17-year-old talent Ethan Nwaneri, who put in an impressive display against Brighton, has been ruled out for the rest of the month.
Additionally, Arsenal will have to make do without the notable absence of players such as Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu, all of whom are dealing with ongoing injury problems. Arteta will also have to keep the FA Cup match against Manchester United in mind this Sunday as he considers his line-up.
Read more:
Elon Musk’s interest in Liverpool sparks speculation over potential takeover
This situation could offer a golden opportunity for youngster Max Dowman, a 15-year-old midfielder who is already training with the first team. Mail Sport takes a closer look at how Arsenal could line up for this crucial match against the Magpies.
With Odegaard and Havertz both doubtful for the encounter at the Emirates, Arteta’s options are further limited by Nwaneri’s injury following the weekend’s game.
In goal, David Raya should keep his place, having shone in the previous rounds. Arteta has placed his faith in Raya, who was reinstated in the quarter-finals against Crystal Palace after opting for youngsters now against Bolton and Preston.
Read more:
Bright future ahead – Manchester United recall Elyh Harrison from loan spell at Chester FC
Returning from suspension, Jurrien Timber is expected to play a key role, bringing freshness to the team after missing the draw against Brighton. The centre-back pairing is expected to include William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, although they are yet to play together in the EFL Cup this year.
Jakub Kiwior has been a constant presence as a left centre-back throughout Arsenal’s campaign, while Timber could move from right centre-back to a full-back role alongside Thomas Partey, who has also played as right back in recent appearances.
Arteta has a host of options at left-back, such as Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney. However, given Calafiori’s recent workload, Arteta could look to Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko or Tierney to fill the role.
Read more:
Bournemouth Secures Argentinian Talent Julio Soler in Quest for European Glory
In midfield, Jorginho has become Arteta’s preferred choice as a defensive midfielder and is ready to don the captain’s armband again. A partnership between Declan Rice and Mikel Merino could provide the Gunners with a robust presence in midfield capable of rivaling Eddie Howe’s men.
With Odegaard’s fitness remaining in doubt after a behind-the-scenes appearance against Brighton, Arteta is likely to err on the side of caution by not risking his starter against Newcastle.
With injuries to Saka and Nwaneri, as well as Havertz’s questionable condition, diminishing Arsenal’s attacking options, Gabriel Martinelli is set to return to the right flank. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the attack as the main striker, with Leandro Trossard continuing on the left.
The young talent has shone throughout the cup this season, and the clash against Newcastle could see Dowman, aged just 15, make an appearance off the bench, which would make him the youngest player to have represented Arsenal s he treads the ground. Dowman has attracted the attention of several Premier League academies, highlighting his impressive rise through the levels.
The starting XI predicted by Mail Sport for the Gunners is as follows: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Jorginho, Rice; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
