Arsenal prepare for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 15, 2026. The manager Mikel Arteta faces a mounting injury crisis. Arsenal lead the Premier League, however, they are missing six key players due to injury, testing their depth and update in a high-stakes encounter.
Arsenal’s Injury Woes Deepen
The defensive frailties exposed and attacking options limited in the match between Arsenal vs Chelsea. Arteta must navigate these absences to keep Arsenal’s hopes alive for a first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. This clash comes amid a congested fixture list, amplifying the pressure on the squad.
Arteta’s pre-match press conference revealed Arsenal injury update. Central defender William Saliba, a linchpin in Arsenal’s backline, is a doubt due to an unspecified injury sustained recently. Saliba missed the FA Cup win over Portsmouth, initially thought to be rest, but Arteta confirmed it’s a genuine issue. Similarly, versatile forward Leandro Trossard is doubtful with a muscular concern, potentially sidelining him for this crucial tie.
Joining them on the absentee list are Piero Hincapié is out with a thigh/hamstring injury from the Liverpool draw. While Riccardo Calafiori is weeks away from recovery due to a muscle problem. The defender Cristhian Mosquera remains unavailable with an ankle injury. His expected come back next month, while young prospect Max Dowman is also ruled out with an ankle issue. The six players Saliba, Trossard, Hincapié, Calafiori, Mosquera, and Dowman, represents a blend of experience and youth. This leaves Arteta short in multiple areas.
Mikel Arteta provides team news ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea, confirming that Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are doubts for the match 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iHX0N3x20Y
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 13, 2026
Defensive Crisis Looms Large
The backline is hit hardest. They have only four senior defenders potentially available: Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Jurriën Timber, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Saliba’s possible absence is particularly worrying; he’s been out twice this season already, disrupting partnerships. Arteta may deploy midfielder Christian Nørgaard at center-back, as he did against Portsmouth, or shift Declan Rice into defense. Although Rice is unlikely to play right-back with White fit.
This makeshift setup could be exploited by Chelsea’s potent attack. This features players like Cole Palmer, who is a precautionary doubt but expected to feature. Arsenal’s defensive solidity has been key to their league success. They conceded just 14 goals in 21 Premier League games, but vulnerabilities here might prove costly in a cup semi-final.
Impact on Midfield and Attack
The midfield remains relatively intact with Martin Zubimendi, Rice, and Martin Ødegaard likely to start. However, the doubts over Trossard limit attacking versatility. Trossard’s creativity from the left could be missed, forcing reliance on Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka to shoulder more burden. Up front, Viktor Gyökeres should lead the line, but without Trossard’s support, Arsenal’s fluid system might stutter.
Chelsea, too, has issues. Moises Caicedo is in suspension. Mykhaylo Mudryk also banned for doping, and injuries to Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill. The doubts over Malo Gusto, Palmer, and Reece James add uncertainty, potentially leveling the playing field.
Arteta’s Tactical Adaptations
Arteta remains optimistic, emphasizing squad depth and adaptability. “We have to deal with it; it’s part of the game,” he said, highlighting the need for focus amid injuries. We can expect a 4-3-3 formation, with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, White at right-back, Gabriel and possibly Timber centrally. This only happens if Saliba is out, and Lewis-Skelly at left-back. Midfield control will be crucial, with Ødegaard pulling strings.
Overall Outlook
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal’s form, unbeaten in their last six, offers hope. A positive result could boost morale ahead of the second leg at Emirates. However, with Chelsea resurgent under their manager, Arteta’s depleted side faces a stern test. Success here would underscore Arsenal’s resilience, proving they can compete on multiple fronts even without key stars.
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