Newcastle United and Arsenal are now having huge injury crisis with 8 players ruled out of Wednesday’s semi-final meeting between both of these sides.
Newcastle United and Arsenal to miss out on key players ahead of their Carabao cup clash
The two top sides of English football will have tough choices to make for Wednesday. They need to make some changes in their squad due to ongoing injury crisis. However, St James Park is set to have a huge night with some quality players embracing the pitch.
The semi-final second leg will be a big and entertaining fixture. The Magpies lead with 2-0 scoreline from the first leg at the Emirates. Although they seem to be in a mixed run of form recently.
The Gunners have come through their fair share of few poor performances. Their 5-1 thrashing to Man City has surely lifted their confidence. That victory and great performance means that they travel to Tyneside in good spirits. Eddie Howe’s men have lost two games in a row. The losses came in hands of Fulham and Bournemouth in the Premier League. The Gunners will certainly look to add another impressive win to reach the final.
Newcastle to call upon Callum Wilson
Eddie Howe will face a selection issue due to injuries in the squad. His side will be without Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes with injuries. Joelinton is also expected to be sidelined due to a knee injury. He will not be a part of the team for few days.
Keeping those three injuries aside, Newcastle still have plenty of options to choose from. Howe is expected to call upon Callum Wilson for Wednesday’s game. The England international hasn’t played since December 7. The manager suggests that the experienced forwards return would feel like a new signing. He will surely have some impact to their attacking line on the matchday.
Nick Pope and Emil Krafth have also returned in the recent games too after injuries. Lloyd Kelly was kept out of the squad that faced Fulham after his transfer move to Juventus. Kelly joined the Italian side on the deadline day.
With 20 players able to be named, Howe has many options to look upon. Players like Matt Target, Krafth or third goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos could also be named in the squad.
Arsenal’s squad to face the Magpies
The Gunners will also be missing five senior players due to injuries against Newcastle. Ben White looks close to returning but will not be available for selection at the St James Park. The English defender is recovering from a knee surgery.
Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts on White’s return in a pre-match press conference. He said: “No news from the game against City and Ben is still out hopefully after the break he will be available.”
Arteta was also silent when asked about Bukayo Saka’s return date. Saka has undergone surgery after his hamstring injury. He is expected to return in March.
Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out with long time after injuries. Both are out with knee injuries. Bournemouth’s Neto, who is on loan, cup tied. So he will not be joining the team up north.
That means the north London side have 17 senior players available as per their official website. According to EFL Cup rules, a club is allowed to name squad of 20 players for a Carabao Cup match.
Author’s Opinion
This Carabao Cup semi-final clash is going to be very entertaining. Both sides will look on to advance in to the final.
Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe will be looking to make few changes in the line-up. Nonetheless, St James Park will have a big and amazing night of football.
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