Arsenal Injury Woes Intensify Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash with Chelsea
London, 14 January 2026 – Arsenal are grappling with a mounting injury crisis as they prepare for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard remain sidelined, alongside defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with limited options. Meanwhile, transfer rumours swirl around potential signings and departures, with the January window heating up.
Injury Update
Arsenal’s defensive woes have worsened, with Saliba and Trossard absent from recent matches, including the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on 8 January 2026. Arteta described their issues as “nothing serious” but noted Hincapie’s uncertain return timeline. Calafiori, out since early December 2025, is progressing but remains unavailable for several weeks. Centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also sidelined with an ankle injury, forcing reliance on players like Gabriel, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Jurrien Timber. Youngster Marli Salmon could feature as a last resort.
Transfer Rumours and Gossip
The January transfer window has seen Arsenal linked with several targets, though no deals have been confirmed. Tottenham’s Yan Diomande, valued at around £85 million, is a reported interest, alongside Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. Other names include Tino Livramento, Blackburn’s Igor Tyjon, and Jeremy Jacquet. On the departure front, versatile defender Ben White is a transfer target for Premier League rivals, with Arsenal open to a £20-25 million deal in the summer. Real Madrid have shown interest in winger Gabriel Martinelli to bolster their attack. Elsewhere, Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City was completed, freeing up space for potential incomers.
Key Facts: Recent Form and Upcoming Fixtures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Premier League Position | 1st (21 games, 15 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses, +26 goal difference, 49 points) |
| Recent Match | Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool (8 January 2026, Premier League) |
| Next Fixture | Chelsea vs Arsenal (Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, 15 January 2026, 8pm kick-off) |
| Injured Players | William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera |
| Transfer Targets | Yan Diomande (Tottenham), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Tino Livramento, Igor Tyjon, Jeremy Jacquet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Arsenal sign a new defender in January?
Arsenal are exploring options like Yan Diomande and Marc Guehi, but with the injury situation, a defensive addition could be prioritised if the right deal emerges.
How serious are Saliba and Trossard’s injuries?
Arteta has stated they are “nothing serious,” but their absence from the Portsmouth FA Cup win on 11 January 2026 highlights the team’s vulnerability.
What are Arsenal’s chances in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
Despite injuries, Arsenal’s strong league form gives them an edge, but Chelsea’s recent resurgence under Liam Rosenior makes it a tough tie.