Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a worrying update on Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old pulled out at half-time against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
Nwaneri had stepped into the void left by Bukayo Saka’s absence while he recovered from successful thigh surgery. The youngster made his first Premier League start against Brentford on New Year’s Day before retaining that spot for the trip to the south coast.
But Nwaneri was worryingly replaced by Gabriel Martinelli at half-time and Arteta now confirmed Arsenal fans’ worst fears about his condition.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, Arteta said: “Unfortunately he has picked up an injury and will be out for a few weeks.”
Pressed on the nature of the problem, the Spaniard simply replied: “Muscular”.
No further details were given on an exact return date, but with Saka already expected to be out until March, it’s a real headache for the Gunners on the right side. Leandro Trossard can play there but is better suited to the left side, while Gabriel Jesus has been in top form as a number nine.
The lack of cover now makes it seem more likely that Raheem Sterling will stay, as he barely featured in the first half of his season-long loan from Chelsea and missed the last four games with a knee injury. However, the former England winger is expected back much sooner than Saka or Nwaneri.
Nwaneri appeared primed for a big role in January alone, with Arsenal making seven more appearances in four different competitions by the end of the month. It is a series of games that includes meetings with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Girona and Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners will also face Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in February’s first game, although Arteta’s focus has been firmly on the challenge Newcastle will bring to north London.
“I’m really looking forward to the game. Home crowd, semi-finals, the chance to earn the right to be in the final,” he noted. “Tomorrow it starts with the return leg and of course it will be two long games against a very competitive team. We know that, but we are very excited and need a great atmosphere in our stadium.”