Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted his side's growing injury list is a serious concern as they prepare for a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Defensive Headaches for Arteta
The Gunners' defensive resources are stretched thin, with key centre-back William Saliba now a major doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge. The French defender, who missed the FA Cup win at Portsmouth on Sunday, is struggling with an unspecified injury. Forward Leandro Trossard is also a doubt for the midweek fixture.
Arteta confirmed the news on Tuesday, revealing the pair were not simply rested at the weekend as many had assumed. The situation is compounded by longer-term absences: Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori remain out with groin and muscular problems, while Cristhian Mosquera continues his recovery from an ankle injury and is not due back until next month.
Midfielders Forced into Defence
This defensive crisis means Arsenal are likely to field an improvised backline once again. Midfielder Christian Nørgaard, signed from Brentford in the summer, is set to continue at centre-back after filling the role against Portsmouth. Arteta praised the Dane's adaptability, stating he is "always ready to fulfil any role."
Fortunately, Ben White's return to availability means Declan Rice is not expected to deputise at right-back as he did against Brighton last month. Saliba's potential absence is a particular blow; he has already missed five games in December due to an ankle issue, and his partnership with Gabriel Magalhães against Chelsea would be the eighth different central defensive pairing used by Arsenal this season.
Learning from Past Pain
Arteta is acutely aware that such disruptions could derail Arsenal's quest for silverware across four competitions this season. He pointed to the "painful" experience of last year's Carabao Cup semi-final, where a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle United ultimately led to a 4-0 aggregate exit.
"Football gives you another chance," Arteta said. "We have been really consistent again in this competition and now we have to knock another big team out to be in the final. That is the mission. Hopefully we have learned from last year."
The manager emphasised the motivational power of being so close to a Wembley final, acknowledging his team must be "more efficient" in these high-stakes matches. With two games standing between Arsenal and their first major final since the 2020 FA Cup triumph, navigating this injury crisis is their immediate and most pressing challenge.
