Mikel Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will not lower their target in the Carabao Cup despite missing several key defenders. He also wished Chelsea’s new coach Liam Rosenior good luck—but not in this match.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, confirmed that the "Gunners" will not lower their Carabao Cup ambitions despite facing significant defensive injury problems ahead of their first leg semi-final away match at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal will be without key defender Piero Hincapié, who was injured in last week's goalless Premier League draw with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined with a muscle injury sustained last month and may require several more weeks before returning to play.
Arteta admitted he cannot yet clearly estimate Hincapié’s recovery time.
“I don’t yet know how long Piero will be out. It’s too soon to make a conclusion,” the Spanish coach told reporters on Tuesday.
Additionally, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are not fully fit and must be assessed before the game.
“Willy and Leo are still doubts because they aren’t fully fit, but nothing serious,” Arteta added.
These circumstances leave Arsenal with only four defenders available: Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and 16-year-old prospect Marley Salmon, who could play a key role in this important semi-final match.
However, Arteta emphasized that injuries are no excuse, and the team remains fully committed to "revenge" after last season’s 0-2 aggregate semi-final loss to Newcastle United.
“Football always gives you a chance to make amends.”
“We have been consistent in this competition again, and now we must overcome another big team to reach the final. That is our mission.”
The 42-year-old coach acknowledged that last season’s disappointment still lingers and hopes the team has learned from that pain.
“Hopefully, we’ve learned from last season because it was very painful, especially the style of play and the chances we created but failed to convert.”
“I hope this year we will be better and more efficient.”
Arteta, who formerly played for Arsenal, recalled facing Rosenior in the past; they once played against each other in the 2014 FA Cup final when Rosenior was a Hull City player.
“I’ve seen those moments before. That’s the beauty of football.”
“Two completely different career paths, but here we are facing each other again in a semi-final at Stamford Bridge.”
He concluded with a wish for his opponent—except for this match.
“I know people who have worked with him, and everyone speaks highly of him.”
“I wish him good luck... except for today.”