Arsenal injury update: Saka concern, Merino setback, Dowman latest

Arsenal have been dealt a potentially decisive injury blow ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, with Bukayo Saka sidelined at the last minute during the warm-up before Saturday’s Premier League win over Leeds.

The Gunners cruised to a 4-0 victory at Elland Road despite Saka’s withdrawal, with Noni Madueke excelling after a late call-up to the starting XI. However, the nature and timing of Saka’s setback has cast a shadow over an otherwise positive weekend for Mikel Arteta, with Chelsea due at the Emirates Stadium on 4 February 2026 and Arsenal holding a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead.

Bukayo Saka was expected to return to Arsenal’s starting line-up against Leeds after being rested in midweek, but pulled up during the warm-up and was immediately withdrawn.

Early reports suggested a possible left hip issue, though Arteta refused to confirm the nature or severity of the problem post-match.

“So in the warm-up he had a little niggle,” Arteta explained. “He wasn't comfortable to start the game so immediately we made a decision to make that change.”

When asked if Saka would be available to face Chelsea, Arteta added: “We don’t know yet.”

Saka is now set to undergo further assessment and is a doubt for the semi-final decider.

Potential return date: Unknown

Mikel Merino was absent from the matchday squad entirely, with Arteta confirming before kick-off that the Spaniard is struggling with a foot injury.

“He’s got an issue in his foot,” Arteta said. “It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams.”

Merino is now expected to undergo surgery, which could sideline him for a significant portion of the remaining campaign. Reports suggest Arsenal may consider late transfer-market options as a result.

Potential return date: Unknown

Teenage prospect Max Dowman remains Arsenal’s only long-term confirmed absentee. The 16-year-old has been out since suffering ankle ligament damage while on England Under-21 duty last month.

Arteta offered a cautiously optimistic update on Friday, confirming Dowman is back on the grass but being managed carefully due to his age and school commitments.

Potential return date: February 2026

While Arsenal have recently welcomed back key figures such as William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, the prospect of being without Saka for a cup semi-final is a major concern. His history of hamstring and lower-body issues only adds to the uncertainty, with Arsenal’s packed February schedule offering little recovery time.

Chelsea’s visit on Tuesday night now looms as a significant fitness test as much as a tactical one.