Mikel Arteta gives double injury update ahead of Chelsea tie

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino ahead of the Gunners Carabao Cup Semi-Final clash against Chelsea.

Saka did not feature in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Leeds United after pulling up during the warm-up at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Merino missed the trip to Leeds entirely after suffering a foot injury during their dramatic 3-2 loss to rivals Manchester United at the Emirates.

The defeat had prompted Arteta to call for calm as the Gunners remain in the hunt for four trophies this season.

Arsenal are looking to book their place in the first final of the season when they face Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tonight.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Arteta has provided updates on the injured duo.

Saka ‘touch and go’ to face Chelsea

Saka’s injury did not trouble Arsenal in the end, as goals from Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus helped the Gunners thrash Leeds in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Arteta revealed Saka’s injury was not serious but said the 24-year-old would be monitored closely ahead of the Chelsea clash.

“We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to wait and see how he responds, and then make a decision”, Arteta said.

It remains uncertain whether Saka will be fit enough to return against Chelsea, although Arteta is confident he will be back in the side soon.

Arteta continued: “It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for Chelsea or the weekend, we’ll see.”

Mikel Merino out with “rare injury”

The injury update for Merino was less positive from Arteta, as he revealed the midfielder is due to undergo surgery for the foot injury he sustained against United.

“He needs to go through a procedure which is not always positive,” Arteta said.

The Arsenal boss did not specify a timeline for Merino’s return, but he did say the news was a “big blow” for the Premier League leaders.

“He’s a big player for us, a player that has such versatility and capacity to compete in various positions.

“It’s a very rare injury, so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery, how that reacts daily, obviously monitor it throughout the week and see.

“I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything he can to come back as quick as possible. But as well you have to respect the healing process and the fact that obviously it’s an injury that is quite rare.”

Merino has been a surprise source of goals for Arsenal recently, cropping up with four goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

Gunners looking to win first trophy since 2020

Arsenal head into the second-leg of their Semi-Final against Chelsea with a 3-2 lead after victory at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago.

The Gunners return to the Emirates looking to secure their place in the final, where they will be hoping to win their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020.

Manchester City face Newcastle in the other semi-final tomorrow night, with the Citizens holding a 2-0 advantage.