Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal must overcome their defensive injury problems to maintain their challenge across four competitions, as William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are doubts for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.
Saliba and Trossard missed Sunday's FA Cup victory over Portsmouth, initially thought to be rested, but Arteta confirmed the France defender has an unspecified injury and Trossard is also doubtful. Piero Hincapié (groin) and Riccardo Calafiori (muscular) remain out, while Cristhian Mosquera is not expected back until next month with an ankle injury.
This could force Arsenal to field Christian Nørgaard, a Denmark midfielder, at centre-back again after he filled that role at Fratton Park. Declan Rice is not expected to deputise at right-back with Ben White available. Arteta praised Nørgaard's versatility, saying he is “always ready to fulfil any role.”
The defensive crisis has seen Arsenal use eight different centre-back partnerships this season, with Nørgaard and Gabriel Magalhães the latest. Arteta acknowledged the situation is challenging but stressed the need to protect players and find solutions.
Arsenal lost 2-0 at home in last year's semi-final first leg to Newcastle and were eliminated 4-0 on aggregate. Arteta is hopeful his side have learned from that “painful” experience. “Football gives you another chance,” he said. “We have been consistent in this competition and now we have to knock another big team out to be in the final. That is the mission.”
