Arsenal is facing a major fitness crisis just ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Newcastle United on Tuesday. The Gunners will be looking to continue their strong start to the 2024-2025 season, but they’ve been dealt a tough hand with the news that two key players, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard, are both battling illness. This has come as a serious blow to manager Mikel Arteta, as he prepares for a challenging encounter against a red-hot Newcastle side that is in scintillating form.
Havertz and Odegaard Battling Sickness Bug
Arsenal’s injury and illness troubles have been further exacerbated by the recent illness bug that has struck several members of their squad. Both Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, two of Arsenal’s most influential players, have been struggling to shake off a sickness bug that has affected the club in recent days. The illness issue has left Arteta with serious concerns over the fitness of his two stars ahead of an important cup tie.
Havertz’s Struggles
Kai Havertz, who has been a regular presence in Arteta’s midfield this season, was noticeably absent from the squad for Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day. There was initially some hope that the German international would recover in time for the subsequent match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, but unfortunately, Havertz was again missing from the matchday squad.
Speaking after the game, Arteta confirmed that Havertz had attempted to return to training but was ultimately unable to do so due to his continued illness. “Kai tried but he really was very honest and said, ‘I can’t even train, I’m not feeling good at all,’” Arteta said. Despite some initial optimism that Havertz might make a quick recovery, it seems that the 25-year-old’s fitness is still a major concern.
Ødegaard’s Fitness Worries
In addition to Havertz, Arsenal also faced a fitness scare with club captain Martin Odegaard, who was relegated to the bench for the Brighton game. Ødegaard, who has been a standout performer for the Gunners this season, did not train in the days leading up to the match, and Arteta confirmed that the Norwegian was struggling with similar symptoms to those affecting Havertz. Ødegaard’s decision to make himself available for the match, despite not being fully fit, highlights the midfielder’s commitment to the team and his desire to contribute in any way possible.
“We tried to see if he could train and he tried his best but he wasn’t able to do that,” Arteta explained. Ødegaard’s resilience in pushing through his illness to feature, albeit from the bench, was a testament to his leadership qualities and determination, but his condition remains uncertain ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Arsenal’s Squad Depth Tested
Arsenal’s squad depth has been severely tested in recent weeks due to injuries, illness, and suspensions, and the absence of two key players like Havertz and Ødegaard will certainly cause Arteta some selection headaches as he prepares for the Newcastle game. With both players not at full fitness, Arteta may be forced to make changes to his starting lineup, and it remains to be seen how much of a role Havertz and Ødegaard will play in the upcoming fixture.
The timing of the illness could not be worse for Arsenal, as they are set to face an in-form Newcastle United side in what promises to be a fierce Carabao Cup semi-final clash. The Magpies have been in excellent form recently, and Arsenal will need all hands on deck if they are to avoid a slip-up at the first hurdle in this competition.
The Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield
The absence of both Havertz and Ødegaard leaves Arsenal with fewer options in midfield. Havertz has been integral to Arteta’s tactical setup this season, particularly in linking the midfield with the attack, while Odegaard’s creativity and technical ability have been crucial in controlling games and unlocking opposition defenses. Without these two, Arsenal may lack some of the dynamism and creativity that has defined their play this season.
Arteta has relied on a well-organized midfield unit, and while players like Declan Rice, Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka can step up, the loss of Havertz and Ødegaard could disrupt the flow that has been so effective for the Gunners. The team will likely need to rely on players like Emile Smith Rowe, who may be called upon to fill in, or Fabio Vieira, who has made sporadic appearances this season.
Further Injury Concerns: Ethan Nwaneri’s Setback
The fitness concerns for Arsenal were compounded during the 1-1 draw with Brighton, as Ethan Nwaneri, a young player who had been filling in admirably for the injured Bukayo Saka, was forced off at half-time with a muscular issue. Nwaneri, who has been one of the bright sparks in the absence of Saka, had shown maturity beyond his years, but Arteta confirmed that the injury to the teenage sensation could be serious.
“It’s really bad news because I think we’ve lost him,” Arteta said about the situation. “We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.” The injury to Nwaneri comes at a time when Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and the young talent’s absence will be felt as Arteta attempts to navigate a congested fixture list.
The Challenge of Facing an In-Form Newcastle
Despite Arsenal’s ongoing injury and illness troubles, they must turn their attention quickly to their upcoming clash with Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Eddie Howe’s team has been in excellent form, and the Magpies are no strangers to challenging the top teams in England.
Newcastle has made considerable strides under Howe, and they will present a formidable challenge to Arsenal. Their energetic style of play, coupled with the impressive form of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães, will test the Gunners’ resilience and tactical discipline.
A Chance for Arsenal’s Squad Depth to Shine
While Arteta will undoubtedly be concerned about the fitness of his key players, the Carabao Cup semi-final could present an opportunity for Arsenal’s squad players to step up and make a significant impact. The likes of Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jorginho will have to seize their chances and prove their worth to Arteta, as the manager looks for solutions to his squad’s ongoing challenges.
Arsenal has shown resilience throughout the season, and while the current fitness blow is a significant setback, Arteta’s tactical flexibility and the team’s depth of quality players will be crucial in ensuring that they remain competitive across all competitions.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As Arsenal faces Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final, Arteta will need to rally his team and adapt to the absences of Havertz, Ødegaard, and potentially Nwaneri. While the illness bug has left the team in a difficult position, Arsenal has shown time and again that they are capable of overcoming adversity.
The Carabao Cup may not be Arsenal’s primary focus this season, but it remains a significant opportunity to secure silverware. Arteta will need to manage his resources wisely, ensure that his key players recover quickly, and motivate his squad to push through the current adversity. The first leg against Newcastle will be a crucial test of both the team’s resolve and Arteta’s ability to adapt to a constantly evolving situation.
