Arsenal's Star Winger Bukayo Saka Ruled Out of Crucial Carabao Cup Semi-Final Clash Against Chelsea

Arsenal will be without their star winger Bukayo Saka for the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg showdown against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.

The North London club maintains a 3–2 aggregate lead following the opening leg before hosting the Blues at the Emirates Stadium, though they must complete the task without Saka after he was excluded from Arsenal's matchday squad for Chelsea's trip to north London.

Saka has been among Arsenal's top playmakers this campaign despite facing some scrutiny regarding his overall form, and Noni Madueke, who impressed during the weekend's commanding 4–0 victory over Leeds United, is set to fill his fellow Englishman's role on the right flank.

Why Is Bukayo Saka Missing Against Chelsea?

Why Is Bukayo Saka Missing Against Chelsea?

Saka's exclusion from the Arsenal lineup comes as little shock. The attacking midfielder sustained an injury during pre-match preparations before Saturday's comprehensive thrashing of Leeds, being ruled out completely despite initially being selected in the starting formation.

Following the game, Mikel Arteta explained: "During the warm-up he experienced a minor issue, he wasn't comfortable enough to begin the match, so we immediately decided to make that substitution and introduce Noni instead."

Arteta expressed uncertainty about Saka's availability against Chelsea during his pre-match media briefing but indicated he doesn't consider the England star's injury to be serious.

"It doesn't appear to be anything too concerning. Whether he'll be ready for tomorrow or this weekend, we'll have to wait and see," acknowledged the Arsenal boss.

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Skipper Martin Ødegaard represents an unexpected absence from the Arsenal roster for Chelsea's arrival, with the Norwegian midfielder not even included among the reserves despite participating in the weekend triumph over Leeds.

Mikel Merino presents another fitness concern for the Gunners following surgery on a foot problem, and he accompanies promising youngster Max Dowman in the medical bay.

Arteta will be hoping to welcome back both Saka and Ødegaard for the weekend's Premier League encounter with Sunderland at home.