Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool on Thursday night looks set to go ahead as planned even with Sead Kolasinac gone and Pablo Mari exit.
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is challenged by Rob Holding, Ben White and Gabriel of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield (Getty Images)
Arsenal were able to get their north London derby with Tottenham postponed at the weekend after an injury crisis, but hopeful their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg vs Liverpool will avoid the same fate
There have since been some suggestions that Thursday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool could also be under threat, but Arsenal are working towards the tie going ahead as scheduled.
What’s the latest?
Despite speculation about Thursday night’s game, Arsenal are hopeful that the clash against Liverpool will go ahead, providing there is no fresh Covid-19 outbreak at London Colney in the next 48 hours.
Martin Odegaard, who would have missed Sunday’s game at Tottenham having tested positive for coronavirus, has now been able to return to the club’s London Colney training base.
The likes of Kieran Tierney, Calum Chambers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel – are expected to be fit.
And the Gunners are hopeful that some of the players who have been sidelined through injury, such as Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu, could be fit enough to return.
Mikel Arteta’s squad numbers could also be boosted if needed by two youngsters who have been recalled from loan in recent days.
Midfielder Miguel Azeez has returned from Portsmouth, while forward Tyreece John-Jules returned from Blackpool on Monday.
One player who does look set to miss out on Thursday night, however, is Cedric Soares, who is still suffering from the hip problem that saw him substituted during the first half at Anfield last week.Arsenal
However, Liverpool could be without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for their midweek clash with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
The former Gunners player suffered injury in Reds’ 3-0 win over Brentford.
After the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the 28-year-old had injured his ankle, but won’t know until later as to how long he will be sidelined for.
It means he could miss out on the semi-final against his former side on Thursday when the two sides meet.
The winner of Thursday’s last-four clash will progress to next month’s Wembley final, where they will face Chelsea.
The Blues booked their place in the showpiece event last week after they secured a 3-0 aggregate victory over Tottenham