Latest Arsenal Injury News Ahead of Carabao Cup

Arsenal have defensive injury concerns leave Mikel Arteta with a difficult selection call for Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie.

Arsenal face an awkward selection call before Tuesday’s EFL Cup third-round trip to Ipswich Town, with three defenders carrying injury concerns after a perfect six-game start across all competitions. Sports Mole’s Ben Knapton reported on September 13 that William Saliba remains unavailable after a back problem flared up, leaving him set for at least another couple of months out. Sports Mole listed November 21 as a possible return date.

Sports Mole also talked about how Ben White now sits as a major doubt after he held his groin and left Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sunderland at half-time. Jurrien Timber, who had recently returned from a groin issue, gives Mikel Arteta an immediate option at right-back. Cristhian Mosquera has missed three matches with a thigh strain, yet Arteta says the youngster is recovering well and has not ruled him out for Ipswich. Arsenal have started the season in invincible form.

Arsenal travel without a suspension concern, so Arteta’s main headache sits entirely around defensive fitness. The latest update leaves Arteta balancing continuity against another defensive reshuffle.

Why could Arsenal feel Saliba’s absence more sharply than the others?

Saliba’s absence carries a different tactical cost because its duration changes Arteta’s planning rather than simply forcing one match-day adjustment. White and Mosquera both remain major doubts, which leaves the door open for a quick return, while Saliba has entered a long spell outside the side. That distinction matters.

For Arsenal, losing a first-choice centre-back for months means Arteta must settle on a pairing, build defensive rhythm around it and manage rotation across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup. A temporary absence can disrupt one match. A long injury can alter selection habits for weeks.

The timing makes the problem sharper. Arsenal have started the campaign with six straight victories, and that run creates pressure to keep changing as little as possible. Saliba’s enforced absence removes one of the defenders who helps give the back line its shape and continuity. Arteta can compensate, but compensation has a cost.

Arteta will hope David Raya or whoever starts in goal Vs Ipswich can continue the goalkeeping heroics check out the wonder save of the Sunderland penalty by the Spanish keeper below.