Arsenal Face Chelsea Tonight with Saka Injury Doubt in Carabao Cup Semi-Final
London, 3 February 2026
Arsenal host Chelsea at Emirates Stadium this evening in a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, with manager Mikel Arteta making a late decision on whether star winger Bukayo Saka will feature after picking up an injury during warm-up at the weekend.
Saka’s Fitness Remains in Question
The England international was ruled out of Arsenal’s commanding 4-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday after sustaining an injury during the pre-match warm-up at Elland Road [1]. Speaking on Monday, Arteta revealed that medical tests conducted since the weekend have provided cautious optimism about Saka’s condition. “We have to wait,” Arteta explained. “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” [1]. The Arsenal manager’s measured approach suggests the club will prioritise Saka’s long-term fitness over short-term availability, particularly given the winger’s importance to their campaign across multiple competitions.
Tactical Adjustments and Team Selection
Should Saka remain unavailable, Arteta appears ready to maintain tactical continuity by keeping Noni Madueke in the starting lineup [1]. Madueke impressed against Leeds with a goal and assist, demonstrating the attacking threat that could prove crucial against Chelsea’s defensive setup [1]. Elsewhere in the squad, captain Martin Ødegaard is expected to return to the starting eleven after making an impactful substitute appearance at Elland Road, whilst Riccardo Calafiori could be handed a start at left-back [1]. The potential inclusion of Gabriel Jesus ahead of Kai Havertz represents another tactical consideration, with Havertz having started twice in recent days and potentially requiring rotation [1]. Arsenal continue to manage without Mikel Merino, who requires surgery on a foot injury with uncertainty surrounding whether he will feature again this season [1].
Chelsea’s Personnel Challenges Under Rosenior
Chelsea interim manager Liam Rosenior faces his own selection dilemmas ahead of the crucial second leg encounter [3]. Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian remains unavailable after being granted compassionate leave for personal reasons, with Rosenior emphasising the importance of player welfare over tactical considerations. “With Este, he’s a young kid who’s come and been magnificent. He’s going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and he’s on compassionate leave. I won’t put any pressure on him,” Rosenior explained on Saturday [3]. The Chelsea boss also confirmed that Jamie Gittens will miss the match after pulling up with a hamstring injury during the first half against West Ham United, describing the setback as “disappointing” given his plans to give the winger a starting opportunity [3].
Stakes and Strategic Implications
Tonight’s match represents a pivotal moment for both London clubs, with the winner securing passage to the final and maintaining hopes of silverware this season [GPT]. Chelsea enter the fixture trailing 3-2 on aggregate from the first leg, requiring an away victory or a high-scoring draw to progress [3]. The tactical battle between Arteta’s possession-based approach and Rosenior’s developing system at Chelsea adds another layer of intrigue to proceedings. For Arsenal, reaching the final would represent tangible progress under Arteta’s stewardship and provide an opportunity to end their trophy drought. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interim manager seeks to demonstrate his credentials whilst navigating the complexities of player availability and tactical adaptation. The 8pm GMT kick-off at Emirates Stadium promises to deliver the intensity and quality expected of this historic London rivalry [1].