Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri will be sidelined for a few weeks with a muscle injury.
Nwaneri opened the scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton as he made his second consecutive Premier League start but was substituted at half-time after picking up an injury.
The 17-year-old's absence leaves Arsenal short on the right wing, where they are already missing Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Arteta said at his press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg match against Newcastle, live on Sky Sports: “Unfortunately he has picked up an injury and will be out for a few weeks.
“It's a muscle injury.”
Arsenal have also had to wait without Kai Havertz for the last two league matches, because the German attacker was struggling with illness.
However, Arteta was more optimistic when asked if he could welcome Havertz back into the fold for the visit of Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
“I hope so,” said Arteta.
“But I don't want to say yes because the last time I said I thought he would be fit, he wasn't fit.”
'Arsenal can take action in January'
Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth on what Arsenal can do in January:
“It seems to be a reactive transfer window for Arsenal.
“Bukayo Saka is one of the injured and Arsenal must decide whether to enter the market for a striker.
“Fortunately, Saka is on course to be back well before the end of the season, which will be a factor in Arsenal's thinking.
“However, should an opportunity arise for a long-term target or a short-term loan, Arsenal are in a position to take action.
“Players like Alexander Isak are admired, but Newcastle United have not yet been approached and they will not sell in this period.”
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