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Mikel Arteta has given the latest injury update on his Arsenal squad ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea
Arsenal are back in Carabao Cup action in their semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Tuesday night – but they've suffered a serious injury blow following Mikel Merino's foot fracture.
The Gunners take a 3-2 aggregate lead into the match at the Emirates Stadium, and it’s something that they will look to take advantage of.
Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta has given the latest injury updates on his squad. There has been concern over Bukayo Saka. The winger pulled up in the warm up ahead of the weekend’s Premier League clash against Leeds United. He was replaced in the starting line-up by Noni Madueke, who impressed with his performance.
Arsenal have also confirmed a major blow over midfielder Merino, who has missed the last two games with a foot injury. It has now been confirmed that the 29-year-old will undergo surgery.
Here is a look at all of the latest from the treatment room following Arteta’s latest update.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Hip
What Arteta has said: “We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to wait and see. Have a response and then make the decision.
"It doesn't look like something too serious. Whether he's going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we'll see.
Potential return date: Carabao Cup vs Chelsea (H), Feb 3
Mikel Merino
Injury: Foot
What Arteta has said about whether he'll return before the end of the season: “Well, we hope so. I don't know. Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive. He's a big player for us. An athlete that has such a versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that's a big blow... Yes [it's a fracture].
“Let's see. It's a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery. How that reacts daily.
"Obviously, monitor it throughout the week for the surgery. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything that he possibly can to come back as quick as possible. But, as well, he has to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it's an injury that is quite rare."
Potential return date: May
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Max Dowman
Injury: Ankle
What Arteta has said: “He's growing, and we need to be very careful and a little more protective. He has a different schedule as well because he needs to go to school... But I think he's quite close. He's on the pitch now, he's doing well.”
Potential return date: FA Cup vs Wigan (H), Feb 15
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