Nwaneri will be out for weeks due to his recent injury
Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri will be out for a “few weeks” as Arsenal’s injury concerns intensify ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Key player Bukayo Saka underwent surgery on a hamstring injury that could keep him out long-term, and 17-year-old Nwaneri impressed in his right wing position against Brighton at the weekend.
However, after scoring a goal, he came off the pitch at half-time and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
“Unfortunately he has picked up a muscle injury and will be out for a few weeks,” manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.
We won’t stop 💪 pic.twitter.com/sKBq9fxAyQ
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 6, 2025
“He’s earned the right to step up and play for us and now he’s started some big games and influenced those games the way he did in different positions.”
“That’s why I’m disappointed with him because the injury will prevent that. But it is another step in the development phase he is in.”
Striker Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain unavailable, while striker Kai Havertz, who missed the north London side’s last two games through illness, is also a doubt for the home game against Newcastle.
“I hope (Havertz) gets back into action, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said he would be fit and he wasn’t fit,” Arteta said.
When asked about reinforcements in the January transfer window, the Spaniard said: “Whatever happens in the market, we are very vigilant. It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no either.”
Arteta was full of praise for Newcastle, who have won their last six games in all competitions, including impressive victories over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“They are a tough opponent. They have very good individual players,” said Arteta, pointing to Alexander Isak’s strong form. The Swede scored 14 goals in 21 games for Newcastle, including seven in a row in the Premier League.
“Obviously he’s a top player, he’s in top form. He scores a lot of goals.”
The second leg will take place on February 5th.
