16 hours ago
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Mikel Arteta could be without Bukayo Saka when Arsenal lock horns with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Bukayo Saka was not spotted in training ahead of Arsenal's clash against Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The 24-year-old winger sustained an injury in the build-up to the Gunners' win over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Shortly before kick-off, Saka was whisked away from the pre-match preparations and escorted down the tunnel by a physio. The England international, who appeared to suffer a hip problem during the warm-up, was replaced by Noni Madueke in the starting lineup, with Christian Norgaard taking a place on the bench.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka had a 'little niggle'. The Spaniard said: "In the warm-up, he had a little niggle, he wasn't comfortable starting the game, so immediately we made a decision to make that change and bring Noni in.
"And he was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes. The way he prepared, the way he's waiting for opportunity, I think it paid off today because he really impacted the team."
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Then, ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea, Arteta kept his cards close to his chest. The Gunners boss said: "We have to wait. Today, he was better, but we have to wait and see how he responds, and then make the decision."
Arteta added: "It doesn't look like something too serious. Whether he's going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we'll see."
As it stands, the severity of the injury remains unknown, but Saka was not spotted in action at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in the build-up to Tuesday night's game. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was left out of the matchday squad at the weekend, was among those involved.
As were Leandro Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Eberechi Eze, Ben White, Noni Madueke, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Jesus, and Declan Rice. David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalag were also in action.
Arsenal will hope to defend their lead over Chelsea and secure a place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium. When quizzed on the Blues' defensive record, having conceded five goals in their last three games, Arteta said: "Every team has its own things.
"I think Liam is doing an incredible job so far in different competitions as well, and tomorrow the tie has a context which is very specific when you talk about a tie.
"The fact that we play at home and we have the advantage, but that we need to now make it very concrete in the manner that we approach the game, certainly tomorrow to win it."
On the competition, Arteta said: "I mean the next one is always the most important one, and it is the closest to reaching a final. Tomorrow we are going to have people who really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we are going to do it, and all together, I am sure we are very capable of doing that."
English (US) ·