Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a worrying update on Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old was withdrawn in the first half against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
Nwaniri entered the void left by the absence of Bukayo Saka during his presence Recovering from successful hamstring surgery. The youngster made his Premier League debut against Brentford on New Year's Day, before keeping that place on the trip to the south coast.
But Nwaniri was worried He was substituted in the first half By Gabriel Martinelli, as Arteta now confirms Arsenal fans' worst fears about his condition.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Tuesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United, Arteta said: “Unfortunately, he has picked up an injury and will be out for a few weeks.
When pressed on the nature of the problem, the Spaniard simply replied: “Muscular.”
No further details have been provided on the exact return date, but with Saka already expected to be out until March, it presents a real headache for Arsenal on the right flank. Leandro Trossard could play there but is more suited to the left, while Gabriel Jesus has been at his best as a 'number nine'.
It now looks like Raheem Sterling is likely to stay due to a lack of cover, having barely featured during the first half of his season-long loan. Chelsea He missed the last four matches due to a knee injury. The former England winger is expected to return much sooner than Saka or Nwanyere.
Nwaniri looked set to play a big role in January alone, with Arsenal featuring seven more times in four different competitions before the end of the month. It is a series of games that involve clashes with… Manchester UnitedTottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Girona and Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners are also scheduled to face Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in the first match in February, although Arteta's focus has been firmly on the challenge Newcastle will bring to north London.
He commented, “I'm very excited to play the match. Our fans, the semi-finals, the opportunity to have the right to qualify for the final.” “It starts tomorrow with two games and obviously it will be two long games against a very competitive team. We know that but we are very excited and we need a very big atmosphere in our stadium.
