Mikel Arteta has conceded that Arsenal’s growing injury problems in defence could test their ambitions across four competitions ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. Arteta confirmed that William Saliba is a doubt for Wednesday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, while Leandro Trossard is also struggling with an unspecified issue. Their absence from the FA Cup win over Portsmouth was initially thought to be precautionary, but Arteta revealed both could miss the semi-final.
Arsenal are already without Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori due to groin and muscle injuries, while Cristhian Mosquera is not expected back until next month. As a result, Christian Nørgaard may again be deployed at centre-back, having filled in during the FA Cup tie, with Declan Rice unlikely to reprise his emergency role at right-back now that Ben White is fit. Arteta praised the adaptability of his squad but acknowledged the challenge of navigating the coming weeks.
The Arsenal manager also referenced last season’s painful Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Newcastle, saying his players are determined to apply those lessons as they chase their first major trophy since 2020. Arteta stressed the motivation of being just two matches away from a final and said the experience of high-stakes games could give his side the edge they need.
