Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out for a “few weeks” as Arsenal's injury concerns mount ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Key man Bukayo Saka has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury which could keep him out for a long time, and 17-year-old Nwanyere impressed in his place on the right wing against Brighton at the weekend.
However, after scoring he came off in the first half and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
“Unfortunately, he suffered a muscle injury. He will be out of action for a few weeks,” coach Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.
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“He's earned the right to step up and play for us, and now he's started some big games, and he's had an impact on those games with the way he's done it in different positions as well.
“So I feel very sad for him because the injury will stop that. But it's another step in his development phase.
Striker Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still absent, and the participation of striker Kai Havertz, who missed the North London club's last two matches due to illness, is also in doubt for the match at home to Newcastle.
Arteta said: “I hope (Havertz) will return to the field, but I do not want to say yes because I said last time that he would be fit and he was not fit.”
In response to a question about bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window, the Spaniard said: “What is happening in the market, we are very alert. It is not a yes but it is not a no.”
Arteta praised the Newcastle side, who have won their last six matches in all competitions, including impressive victories over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“They are a difficult opponent. They have very good individual players,” Arteta said, pointing to Alexander Isak's rich form, with the Swede scoring 14 goals in 21 appearances for Newcastle, including seven in a row in the Premier League.
“He's obviously a top player, he's at his best. He's scoring a lot of goals.”
The return match will be held on February 5.
