Mikel Arteta gave an update on Arsenal's latest injury blow following their Carabao Cup quarter-final penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace
09:00, 24 Dec 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following victory at the end of the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta gave an injury update on Gabriel Martinelli(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Gabriel Martinelli "could not carry on" during their Carabao Cup quarter-final, sparking fresh injury concerns for the Gunners.
Martinelli was replaced by Leandro Trossard just short of the 60-minute mark in Tuesday's match, which saw the North London team triumph in a penalty shoot-out. Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero, saving Maxence Lacroix's penalty to secure Arsenal's spot in the semi-finals against Chelsea.
A last-gasp goal from Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi had forced the game into penalties after Lacroix's own-goal seemed to have sealed the win for the Gunners. Arteta explained the decision to substitute Martinelli, saying: "He could not carry on so we had to make the sub."
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal goes down injured during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Gabriel Martinelli went down injured in the first half(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Despite the injury scare, the Spanish manager expressed his delight at his team's progress towards Wembley.
"Very happy to be in the semi-final," he declared. "We played against a team that is very hard to generate chances. We generated a lot and should have had more goals."
He added: "When you don't close the game, it [(a late equaliser) can always happen. The players were so composed with the penalties. In the second half they were more aggressive but overall, it's another victory and I'm very happy."
Goalkeeper Kepa, who has been playing understudy to David Raya in the league this season, relished the opportunity to step into the limelight. The Spanish international, who has twice been a runner-up in the competition with Chelsea, is now aiming to clinch the title.
"I think we play so well and then they changed, they adapt a little bit," he shared with Sky Sports following the victory. "It's something we have to improve, we have been conceding in the last minute."
His save from Lacroix came after both teams had successfully converted their first seven penalties in the shoot-out. "You have to keep your cool, be focused and don't lose your focus."
The decisive penalty was netted by William Saliba. The 24-year-old, who was only making his third appearance after recovering from an injury, expressed relief at having survived the challenging match.
"It was a tough game against a top team. We did well. Apart from my mistake, we played well," the French international admitted.
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"We are so happy to be in the semi-final. We have to learn the lesson from last season (when Arsenal lost their semi against Newcastle). At the end, Kepa saved us. We want to win both games and go into the final."