Arsenal have a few injury niggles ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking after the FA Cup win over Portsmouth, Arteta confirmed that Piero Hincapie remained the main doubt after being forced off in the previous match against Liverpool. The Arsenal manager admitted the early signs were not ideal but stressed the club were waiting on further tests.
“Probably tomorrow we’ll know a little bit more where he’s at,” Arteta said. “Obviously he had to come off against Liverpool, which is never a good sign, but hopefully it’s not too much time out.”
Hincapie’s hamstring problem has left his availability for Chelsea in doubt, with Arsenal expected to receive a clearer medical update on Tuesday.
Arteta also provided a positive update on Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, who were both ruled out recently with muscle and ankle issues. The Arsenal boss revealed both defenders were nearing the end of their rehabilitation programmes.
“They have to go through the last stage of the rehab,” Arteta explained. “They are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them, so let’s see.”
Calafiori is pushing to be involved again this week, while Mosquera, who has been sidelined since early December, is now closing in on a return after stepping up his recovery.
There was further reassurance over William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, who missed the Portsmouth matchday squad. Reports confirmed both were rested as part of rotation, with no injury concerns.
Kai Havertz, meanwhile, returned after a brief absence used to manage his workload, and there is no long-term issue with his fitness.
More updates are expected at the next press conference tomorrow with Mikel Arteta to preview the upcoming match against Chelsea on Wednesday.
