Arsenal will make a late call on Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
Saka missed Saturday’s (January 31) 4-0 win over Leeds United after picking up a knock in the warm-up at Elland Road. Subsequent assessments have suggested the problem is not serious, and he has not been ruled out of this evening’s game at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners go into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with a 3-2 advantage over Chelsea, who are missing wingers of their own - with Jamie Gittens likely out with a hamstring problem, and Estevao dealing with personal issues back in Brazil.
Bukayo Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s game against Leeds United last weekend.placeholder image
Bukayo Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s game against Leeds United last weekend. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta said a final decision on Saka would be taken as late as possible.
He said: “We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to wait and see, have a response and then make the decision.
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“It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.”
Noni Madueke is a strong option to replace Saka after an impressive display against Leeds, where he scored and assisted for Martin Zubimendi’s opener.
Riccardo Calafiori could come in at left-back after appearing from the bench at the weekend. Martin Odegaard also missed out on a start at Elland Road, but made an impact when introduced and could return to the starting XI this evening.
The Gunners will be without midfielder Mikel Merino, who needs surgery on a foot injury and may not play again this season. Upfront, Kai Havertz has started twice in quick succession and could be rested, with Gabriel Jesus pushing for a start.
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