Nwaneri ‘out for weeks’ in latest injury blow

Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out for “a few weeks” as Arsenal’s injury worries worsen before the EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.

Key man Bukayo Saka has had surgery on his hamstring injury which could keep him out long term and 17-year-old Nwaneri impressed in his place on the right wing against Brighton at the weekend.

However, after scoring he came off at half-time and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.

“Unfortunately he has picked up a muscular injury, he will be out for a few weeks,” Manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Monday.

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Forward Raheem Sterling and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined and forward Kai Havertz, who missed the North London side’s last two games with illness, is also doubtful for the home game against Newcastle.

“I hope (Havertz) returns to action, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said he would be fit and he wasn’t fit,” Arteta said.

Asked about bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window, the Spaniard said: “What happens in the market, we are very alert. It’s not a yes but it’s not a no.”

Arteta was full of praise for Newcastle, who have won their last six games across all competitions, including impressive victories over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

“They are a tough opponent. They have very good individual players,” Arteta said, noting Alexander Isak’s rich vein of form, with the Swede scoring 14 goals in 21 games for Newcastle, including seven straight in the Premier League.

“Obviously he’s a top player, he’s in top form. He is scoring a lot of goals.”

The second leg takes place on 5 February.