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Mikel Arteta has been a dealt a double blow ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe both set to miss the fixture.
The Gunners – currently fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind Liverpool – travel to Anfield on Thursday night for the first leg of the tie.
But Arteta will take a depleted squad to Merseyside with creative playmakers Odegaard and Smith Rowe both set to miss the clash, according to Goal.
Smith Rowe missed Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forest at the weekend due to a groin issue and it is claimed he has not recovered in time to face Liverpool.
Odegaard, meanwhile, was unable to report to training at London Colney on Thursday and was left behind as his teammates travelled to Anfield.
Arsenal could also be without Takehiro Tomiyasu due to his calf problem, but Granit Xhaka is expected to return having ended his isolation period following a positive Covid result.
Manchester City won the EFL Cup for an eighth time last season but there will be a new name etched on the trophy this year after Pep Guardiola’s side were knocked out by West Ham.
Arsenal or Liverpool will meet European champions Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final after Thomas Tuchel’s team beat London rivals Tottenham 3-0 over two legs.
While Arteta is coping with a number of injury absentees, Liverpool are also missing several first-team players as they bid to reach another cup final.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita are at the Africa Cup of Nations, as are Arsenal quartet Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey.
This match at Anfield was originally scheduled to be the second leg, but last week’s tie at the Emirates was rearranged after Liverpool had to close their…
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Source : metro
