Arsenal faces a mounting injury list as they prepare to take on Preston North End in the Carabao Cup, with several key players uncertain to be fit for Wednesday’s clash. Manager Mikel Arteta, who previously relied on younger talent for the cup tie against Bolton Wanderers, may have to do so again, this time against Championship side Preston.

With the League Cup offering Arteta a chance for another trophy, he is expected to prioritize progress. However, injuries are challenging Arsenal’s depth, even with skilled academy players available.

Key players like Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes, who might have been rested for this game, may miss out due to injury. Alongside them, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber also remain doubtful, potentially opening opportunities for emerging talents Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly.

Here is the latest on Arsenal’s injury list

Gabriel Magalhaes 

Injury: Knee.

Gabriel was forced off after a tackle from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, with visible pain in his left knee. After attempting to continue, he was substituted and later seen icing his knee. Reports indicate he may have a minor or moderate MCL sprain, which could sideline him for several weeks.

Possible return: Unknown.

Bukayo Saka  

Injury: Hamstring.

Saka returned against Liverpool as captain and was subbed in the second half for rest rather than injury concerns.

Return: Cleared to play.

Jurrien Timber

Injury: Unknown.

Timber exited early against Liverpool due to cramping, with Miles Lewis-Skelly stepping in. Arteta’s comments suggest efforts are underway to speed up his recovery.

Possible return: Newcastle (A) – November 2.

Riccardo Calafiori 

Injury: Knee.

Calafiori sustained a knee injury in a Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk. Italian sources report it’s not serious but may keep him out for a few weeks.

Possible return: Newcastle (A) – November 2.

Martin Odegaard 

Injury: Ankle.

Odegaard suffered an ankle injury while on international duty, initially projected to be sidelined for two months. He is working towards a return but is not yet back in training.

Possible return: Chelsea (A) – November 10.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Injury: Unknown.

Tomiyasu missed recent matches, including the fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool, due to ongoing fitness issues throughout the year.

Possible return: Unknown.

Kieran Tierney  

Injury: Hamstring.

Tierney remains in recovery following a severe hamstring injury at Euro 2024, with no return to training yet.

Return: Unknown.

This update offers a glimpse into Arsenal’s injury challenges as they strive for success across competitions, with Arteta set to provide further details in his press conference Tuesday.