Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out for “a few weeks” as Arsenal’s injury concerns deepen ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Key man Bukayo Saka has undergone surgery following a hamstring injury, which could keep him out long-term and Nwaneri, 17, has impressed in his place on the wing right against Brighton this weekend.
However, after scoring he came off at half-time and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
“Unfortunately he suffered a muscle injury, he will be out for a few weeks,” manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.
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“He has earned the right to come in and play for us and now he has started big games and also impacted those games in the way he has in different positions.
“So I’m gutted for him because the injury is going to stop that. But it’s another step in the developmental phase he’s in.
Forward Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined and striker Kai Havertz, who missed the north London side’s last two games through illness, is also doubtful for the home match against Newcastle.
“I hope (Havertz) returns to action, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said he would be fit and he wasn’t,” Arteta said.
Asked about the arrival of reinforcements during the January transfer window, the Spaniard replied: “What is happening on the market, we are very vigilant. It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no.
Arteta was full of praise for Newcastle, who have won their last six matches in all competitions, including impressive victories against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“He’s a tough opponent. They have very good individual players,” Arteta said, highlighting the rich form of Alexander Isak, with the Swede scoring 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 great shape. He scores a lot of goals.
The return match will take place on February 5.
