Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of Arsenal's match with Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners' manager has been dealing with a spate of squad issues in recent weeks.

Both injury and illness have hit the group. Kai Havertz missed out for the second successive match, was unable to train, and was sent home before the trip to Brighton. Martin Odegaard, also affected, couldn’t train and only made the bench, while Gabriel Martinelli joined him after suffering a knock following the clash with Brentford.

Ethan Nwaneri came off against Brighton at half-time. Unfortunately, the youngster will also be missing from this game and perhaps many more this month and beyond.

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"Unfortunately, he has picked up an injury and is going to be out for a few weeks," Arteta said, clarifying: "Muscular injury."

He was asked about Nwaneri’s reaction to the injury. Interestingly the teenager seemingly didn't really know how serious it was.

"Yeah, he didn't really know," Arteta added. "'I am feeling something, what is it?' He has earned the right to step up and play for us and start some big games and impact those games in the way he has done. Gutted for him."

Bukayo Saka and Ben White also remain long-term absentees for the Gunners. Meanwhile, Newcastle appears to have more positive news regarding the health of their squad and are starting to welcome players like Sven Botman back at the perfect time.

Arsenal take on Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium at 8pm GMT. You can follow the match from four hours before kick-off using our matchday live blog.