New Delhi: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted mounting injury problems will not distract the Gunners from their attempts to win the Carabao Cup after he confirmed Ethan Nwaneri is the latest forward to be sidelined for a few weeks.
The 17-year-old was replaced at half-time during a 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, having scored Arsenal’s opening goal in the 16th minute. Arteta revealed that Nwaneri is anticipated to be sidelined for “several weeks.”
🚨⚠️ Bad news for Arsenal as Ethan Nwaneri will be out with muscular injury.
“Unfortunately he has picked up an injury and is going to be out for a few weeks”, says Mikel Arteta. pic.twitter.com/TuFcfcfgIe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025
With Nwaneri unavailable, the Arsenal manager is left short of options in the attack for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, given the prolonged absence of their star striker, Bukayo Saka.
Arteta could not even guarantee that Kavi Hertz would be available for the upcoming fixture, having already missed the last two games owing to illness. Still, he was adamant that his team could cope with any circumstance. The Gunners will aim to win only a second major Carabao trophy since Arteta took charge five years ago.
Arteta mentioned that winning the trophy this season would be the icing on the cake for the Gunners. He said that we work really hard every single day to achieve the feat and bring joy to our people.
When asked about the importance of the Carabao Cup for Arsenal, Arteta emphasized that it had been a priority from the start. He explained that the team had discussed their ambitions early on and were committed to competing for every trophy. “We want to win every competition,” he stated. “With the squad and standards we have, it’s essential to approach each game with that mindset. We’ve taken it step by step, and now that we’re in the semi-finals, we’re determined to go all the way.”
“Hopefully we can create more memories” 🗣️
Mikel Arteta discusses his ambition of delivering a trophy to Arsenal ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final 🔴 pic.twitter.com/0pJWQ80l6m
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 7, 2025
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to return to the starting XI against Newcastle, while Martin Ødegaard is battling illness and might miss the upcoming clash. Arteta has also rejected suggestions that his team had been too negative after taking the lead against Brighton when Joao Pedro was granted a controversial penalty.
Arteta on Arsenal’s January transfers
After the latest Nwaneri injury, Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are at “very alert” during the January transfer window as the Gunners are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements since Bukayo Saka is out until March, Raheem Sterling is struggling with a knee problem, and Kai Havertz has missed two games.
Ahead of the EFL Cup first-leg semi-final against Newcastle United, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks out on Ethan Nwaneri’s injury and the importance of the Carabao Cup for the Gunners. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
