Arteta sees “no point” in treble talk ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to discuss the Gunners’ treble chances as his side welcome Chelsea to the Emirates for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

The Premier League leaders, who also finished top of the Champions League to qualify for the round of 16, have a slim advantage after a thrilling 3-2 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

But Arsenal now face injury issues as Mikel Merino has surgery booked for a broken bone in his foot and captain Bukayo Saka remains a doubt for the all-important clash.

Arteta firmly pushed aside any questions on his long-term ambitions for the season, despite how good a position they may be in, and called for focus on the here and now.

He said: “There’s no point talking about it. What we can talk and control is what we do daily to sustain the level that we have or to improve it.

“We are very happy in the manner that we competed and win our game and that’s the only thing that is in our hands.”

And despite Arsenal’s strong position, Arteta was keen to keep his players’ feet on the ground.

He said: “Tomorrow we have a really tough game against a very good Chelsea side.

“Yeah, we have the home advantage. We have a good result but we have still a lot to do tomorrow to earn the right to win the final.”

For Arsenal, this game represents both opportunity and pressure. Sitting top of the Premier League and chasing multiple trophies, a win for Arteta’s side will do well for their momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Yet their squad has been stretched recently by injury setbacks that have given the Gunners boss a few selection headaches.

Preparation has been complicated by concerns over Bukayo Saka, with his manager explaining the injury doesn’t look too serious and a late assessment on the 24-year-old will inform whether he features.

The bigger blow comes in midfield, with Mikel Merino, who Arteta described as a “big player”, set to undergo surgery after suffering a fracture, an absence that could last up to the end of the league campaign.

He described Merino’s problem as unusual, adding: “It’s a very rare injury. So we have to wait and see once we have the surgery, how that reacts daily.”

He also stressed patience in recovery, saying: “You have to respect the healing process and the fact that, obviously, it’s an injury that is quite rare.”

With a Wembley final within touching distance, Arteta said he views this fixture as the most immediate and meaningful step forward in their season.

Arteta also pointed to the role the Emirates crowd can play, calling for supporters to bring belief and intensity to a potentially defining evening in north London.

He urged everyone to help create the right atmosphere, confident that unity between players and fans can make the difference.

He closed with a stirring appeal that reflects the collective mindset at Arsenal: “Tomorrow we have a beautiful night together again to make something special.”

Their semi-final second leg with Chelsea kicks off at 8pm (GMT), with live coverage on ITV1, ITVX, and Sky Sports Main Event.