Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a worrying update on Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old withdrew at half-time against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
Nwaneri stepped into the void created by Bukaya Saka’s absence while he is recovering from successful hamstring surgery. The youngster made his first start in the Premier League against Brentford on New Year’s Day, before keeping the spot for the trip to the south coast.
But Nwaneri was worrying replaced at half time Gabriel Martinelli, and Arteta is now confirming Arsenal fans’ worst fears about his condition.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United, Arteta said: “Unfortunately he’s injured and will be out for a few weeks.
Pressed on the nature of the problem, the Spaniard simply replied: “Muscular”.
There were no further details on the exact date of his return, but with Saka already expected to be sidelined until March, it presents a real headache for the Gunners on the right flank. Leandro Trossard can play there but is more suited to the left, while Gabriel Jesus has been in top form as a ‘number nine’.
Raheem Sterling now looks more likely to stay due to a lack of cover, having barely featured during the first half of his season-long loan from Chelsea and has missed the last four games with a knee injury. However, the former England winger is expected to return much sooner than Saka or Nwaneri.
Nwaneri looked set for a big role in January alone, with Arsenal in action seven more times in four different competitions before the end of the month. It is a series of games that involve clashes with Manchester UnitedTottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Girona and Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners are also set to face Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in February’s first leg, although Arteta’s focus has been firmly on the challenge Newcastle will bring to north London.
“I’m very excited to play the game. The home crowd, the semi-final, the chance to earn the right to be in the final,” he remarked. “It starts tomorrow, two games and obviously it’s going to be two long games against a very competitive team. We know that, but we’re very excited and we need a big, big atmosphere in our stadium.
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