Mikel Arteta knows how important Wednesday night is. Arsenal have the chance to get to the Carabao Cup final, although they must overcome Newcastle United, who hold a 2-0 lead going into the semi-final second leg.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both scored in the first leg at Emirates Stadium at the start of January and Arteta knows the threat the home side will pose his team. “They are a very difficult team to play against,” the Spaniard insisted.
Arsenal will be without five senior players for the clash in Newcastle, however. Ben White is edging closer to a return but will play no part at St. James’ Park, with the defender continuing his recovery from knee surgery. It’s possible the Englishman makes his return in February, though. “No news from the game against City and Ben is still out hopefully after the break he will be available,” Arteta said.
Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is no closer to making a return from the hamstring injury picked up in the win at Crystal Palace in December, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus are the two other long-term absentees. Neto, who is on loan from Bournemouth, is cup tied so will not make the trip up north.
