Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out for “a few weeks” as Arsenal’s injury concerns worsen ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Key man Bukayo Saka has had surgery on a hamstring injury that could rule him out long-term and 17-year-old Nwaneri impressed in his place on the right wing against Brighton this weekend.
However, after scoring, he came off at half-time and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
“Unfortunately he has a muscle injury, he will be out for a few weeks,” manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.
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“He’s earned the right to step up and play for us and now he’s started some big games and impacted those games the way he has in different positions.
“So I’m mad for him because the injury will prevent that. But it’s another step in the development phase it’s in.”
Striker Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined, while forward Kai Havertz, who has missed the North London outfit’s last two games through illness, is also a question mark for the home game against Newcastle.
“I hope (Havertz) will be back in action, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said he would be ready, but he wasn’t,” Arteta said.
Asked about bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window, the Spaniard said: “What is happening in the market, we are very careful. It’s not yes, but it’s not no either.”
Arteta was full of praise for Newcastle, who have won their last six games in all competitions, including impressive wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“They are a tough opponent. They have very good individual players,” said Arteta, highlighting the rich form of Alexander Isak, with the Swede scoring 14 goals in 21 games for Newcastle, including seven in a row in the Premier League.
“It is obvious that he is a top player, he is in top form. He scores a lot of goals.”
The second match will be played on February 5.
