Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: No Saka or Odegaard - starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta without two key players for semi-final decider

Absent: Arsenal are without Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka as they face Chelsea

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal are without both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to face Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie tonight.

Saka was ruled out of the 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday with an injury he picked up in the warm-up at Elland Road.

Tests have since revealed that the issue is not a serious one, though Saka has been ruled out of this evening’s high-profile match at the Emirates Stadium.

"We have to wait," Arteta said on Saka’s injury on Monday. “Today he was better, but we have to wait and see, have a response and then make the decision.

"It doesn't look like something too serious. Whether he's going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we'll see."

Arsenal are being cautious with Saka's fitness and Noni Madueke keeps his place, having looked sharp with a goal and an assist after his late call-up against Leeds.

Odegaard did not start at Elland Road either but impressed in his cameo off the bench. There was thought to be every chance that the Arsenal captain was restored to the starting lineup tonight, but he misses out with a minor issue.

Piero Hincapie keeps his place ahead of Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.

Arsenal are without Mikel Merino, who requires surgery on a rare foot injury and it remains to be seen whether he will play again this season.

Up front, Kai Havertz has made two starts in the space of a few days and drops out, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line and Eberechi Eze in midfield.

Arsenal XI: Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly

Injured: Merino, Dowman, Saka, Odegaard

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday February 3, 2026

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

How to watch: Sky Sports and ITV