Arsenal have attacking issues ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United.
While the Magpies will be without Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes through the suspension, Arsenal have problems due to injury.
Bukayo Saka picked up an injury during Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace on Saturday night, which looks like it will probably rule him out of the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
That is due to take place at the Emirates Stadium on January 7th, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Saka is set for a spell on the sidelines.
However, he is not the only Arsenal attacker who looks set to miss the cup clash with Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta shares Arsenal injury update
manager Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 i...
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League game against Ipswich Town on December 27th, Arteta has spoken to the media.
He has provided an update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
“It’s not looking good [for Saka],” he told Arsenal’s official website.
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“Obviously he’s a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team, but it’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season.”
On Sterling, Arteta said: “He needs some further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of the injury. It’s his knee and we have to wait another 24 hours, but unfortunately he’s going to be out for a while.”
Arsenal’s official website state that both Saka and Sterling will be out of action for multiple weeks.
Newcastle aim to capitalise on Arsenal issue
With Newcastle travelling to North London in just over two weeks, it looks like Arsenal will be without Saka and Sterling.
That leaves them light of right-sided options, as they aim to reach the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2018.
As for Newcastle, they were at Wembley for the 2023 final. Sadly, they lost to Manchester United as their trophy drought continued.
The Magpies are looking to go one step further in 2025, but must get past Arsenal first. That will be difficult, but Newcastle can take confidence from the fact that the second leg is at St James’ Park.
On top of that, Arsenal’s injury issues, particularly Saka, could create an opportunity for Newcastle at the Emirates.
The winner will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on March 16th.
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