Eze & Timber Injury Updates: Arsenal vs Man City Team News | Carabao Cup Final

Mikel Arteta confirmed Eberechi Eze will miss Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, citing an injury sustained during the recent Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The news represents a significant setback for the Gunners as they pursue their first major trophy since 2020.

Arteta revealed the extent of the injury list prior to the match, also confirming that Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable. “We tried everything, but unfortunately, him [Eze], Martin [Odegaard], Jurrien [Timber] and Mikel [Merino] are out,” Arteta told Sky Sports. He added that Odegaard and Timber are expected to be sidelined for a further two weeks, with their potential return assessed after the international break.

Eze’s absence follows a promising run of form for the midfielder, who scored a “wonderful strike” against Leverkusen, according to Arteta. The Arsenal manager emphasized Eze’s increasing integration into the team, noting his improved rhythm and understanding with teammates. “He’s playing every three days now,” Arteta said, adding that Eze is currently exceeding his previous career-high in minutes played.

The injury occurred in the second half of the Champions League fixture, despite Eze initially suggesting it wasn’t serious. Arteta’s update clarifies the situation, ruling him out of the Wembley final. Kai Havertz is expected to fill the void left by Eze, starting in the No. 10 position alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

Timber’s continued absence is also a blow to Arsenal’s defensive options. Despite being named in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break, he will not be fit to participate in the Carabao Cup final. Arteta indicated that Timber, along with Odegaard, will be re-evaluated following the international period.

The timing of the injuries is particularly unfortunate for Arsenal, as they aim to end their nine-year trophy drought. The Carabao Cup final against Manchester City presents a challenging opponent, and Arteta’s squad will require to overcome these setbacks to secure victory.