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Arsenalvs.Bolton

sportsmole.co.uk, 23 September 2024, 08:53
On the back of a pulsating Premier League draw with Manchester City, Arsenal hope for a less chaotic evening against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday.

The Gunners were seconds away from a hard-fought win over the champions at the Etihad on Sunday, only for John Stones's scrappy 98th-minute leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw against Mikel Arteta's 10 men.

Nevertheless, Arsenal remain unbeaten in all tournaments this season thanks to their four-goal thriller with City, and the Gunners now turn their attention to a competition that they have not won since 1993.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Bolton, who have already eliminated Mansfield Town and Shrewsbury Town from the competition.

David Raya

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knee/leg

Possible return date: September 25 (vs. Bolton)

Following the thriller with Man City, David Raya was seen limping past reporters in the mixed zone with a bandage on his knee, rendering the Spaniard doubtful for the midweek affair.

Riccardo Calafiori

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: September 25 (vs. Bolton)

After scoring a stunning equaliser on his first Premier League start, Riccardo Calafiori had to be forcibly withdrawn in the second half against Man City with an unspecified issue - which very well may have just been cramp - but it would be a surprise to see him risked for this one.

Jurrien Timber

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Cramp

Possible return date: September 25 (vs. Bolton)

Arsenal's third new defensive injury concern, Jurrien Timber suffered from cramp in the dying embers of Sunday's game, although it would be a surprise to see the Dutchman's minor issue rule him out of contention for Wednesday.

Martin Odegaard

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Despite being initially cryptic over the severity of Martin Odegaard's ankle injury, Arteta has now confirmed that the Norway international will be sidelined for "a while", although he is keeping his fingers crossed that it will be weeks rather than months before he is seen again.

Mikel Merino

Status: Out

Type of injury: Shoulder

Possible return date: October 27 (vs. Liverpool)

Odegaard's fellow midfielder Mikel Merino is also in the treatment room for the long term after suffering a freak shoulder injury in his first training session, and a return before the end of October is unlikely.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

The injury-riddled Takehiro Tomiyasu is still working his way back from a severe knee injury sustained in pre-season, and Arteta is unsure when the Japan international will be able to take to the field again.

Kieran Tierney

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Likewise, Kieran Tierney - who maybe could have anticipated a start on Wednesday - is still on the mend from the hamstring issue he suffered at the Euros, with no timeframe on his return either.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: September 25 (vs. Bolton)

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been missing from Arsenal's last three squads with a calf problem, and there has been no update on the Ukrainian's condition since he first sustained the issue, meaning that an appearance on Wednesday is highly unlikely.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Leandro Trossard

Return date: September 28 (vs. Leicester City)

While on a yellow card, Leandro Trossard foolishly kicked the ball away after conceding a free kick, leading to his dismissal for a second bookable offence. However, as red cards count across all competitions, he will only miss this game before returning for the Premier League clash with Leicester City at the weekend.

In addition to Trossard, on-loan Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied for the match, potentially handing Arteta a major dilemma in between the posts.

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