Team News: The latest on Nwaneri, Havertz and Sterling | News

Ethan Nwaneri will spend a short period on the sidelines after being forced off at half-time during our match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The 17-year-old had ahead of us at the Amex Stadium with his fifth goal in our colours, but had to be withdrawn due to a muscle injury which, according to Mikel Arteta, will keep him out of action for the remainder of the month.

That means Ethan will not be available for our Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United on Tuesday night as he played a huge role in helping us reach the final four with three goals scored during our run so far.

“Unfortunately he has been injured and will be out for a few weeks, it is a muscle injury,” Mikel said in his pre-match press conference.

“He didn’t really know, he said, ‘I feel something but I don’t really know, what is it?’ He’s earned the right to step up and play for us and now he’s starting to have some games and impact them, which he’s done in different positions as well, so I’m gutted for him because that’s going to stop that a little bit.

“But it’s another step in the development phase it’s in, but I’m very happy with the way it’s going.”

Questions remain over whether Kai Havertz will be available to coach when the Magpies come to north London for the first leg, after the German striker missed our first two games of 2025 through illness, and Mikel is unsure if he will be available. Ready for this or not.

When asked about Kai’s chances of returning, he said: “I hope so, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said I thought I was going to be fit and I wasn’t fit.”

Mikel also confirmed that Raheem Sterling could return very soon, but praised his players’ adaptability in the face of constant changes due to injuries and illnesses, and believes there could be long-term benefits amid adversity.

“We discussed the situation and the fact that we have to use players in positions they probably haven’t played before. We are learning a lot from that and what I especially learn is the disposition of the team.

“You talk to any individual and ask them to play anywhere on the field and they say, ‘I’m there.’ It’s also great to learn from your players.

“It is a good learning process, not only tactical but also preparation and training with very few players. Today we had seven or eight players with us just to fill out the squad, which is not normal. It’s a strange way to learn, but I’ll accept it. “I can’t change him, so let’s take advantage of the things we can take from him to improve.”