Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are doubts for the Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea, with their availability set to be assessed closer to kick-off.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Arteta told Sky Sports, “Trossard and Saliba are being assessed ahead of the tie, with late decisions to be made on their availability.”
The potential absence of either player would be a setback for the Gunners. Saliba is a central figure in Arsenal’s defence, while Trossard provides attacking versatility and creative threat.
Arteta did not elaborate on the nature of the injuries but assured fans that the squad is prepared to adapt to any changes.
The duo, along with defender Piero Hincapie, missed Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round win at Portsmouth. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined with a muscle injury that has kept him out of the last five games.
Arteta stressed that injuries to Saliba and Trossard are “nothing serious,” though the return date for Hincapie remains uncertain. Calafiori is “progressing” but is still expected to be out for a few weeks, and centre-back Cristhian Mosquera continues to recover from an ankle injury, leaving the Gunners short in defence.
Arsenal will hope to field a strong side against their London rivals as they aim to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final.
