Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nuaneri has been ruled out for “a few weeks” as Arsenal’s injury concerns deepen ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Key player Bukayo Saka has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury that could keep him out long-term and 17-year-old Nwaneri impressed in his right-back position against Brighton at the weekend.
However, after scoring he came off at half-time and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
“Unfortunately he has a muscle injury, he will be out for a few weeks,” manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.
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Striker Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined and forward Kai Havertz, who has missed the north London club’s last two games through illness, is also a doubt for the home game against Newcastle.
“I hope (Havertz) will be back in 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 adding reinforcements in the January transfer window, the Spaniard said: “Whatever happens in the market, we are very alert. It’s not yes, but it’s not no.”
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.
“He is a difficult opponent. They have very good individual players,” said Arteta, noting 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 top form. He scores a lot of goals.”
The second leg will take place on February 5.
