Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has been dealt a late setback ahead of the Carabao Cup final, with both Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber ruled out of Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Manchester City.
The duo were notably absent from the Gunners’ matchday squad for the Wembley showdown, leaving fans concerned about Arsenal’s depth at a crucial moment. To steady the ship, Arteta has turned to Ben White and Kai Havertz, handing them starting roles in a tactical reshuffle.
Both Eze and Timber are still nursing injuries picked up in recent outings against Bayer Leverkusen and Everton, and were unable to recover in time for the final.
It’s not just Arsenal feeling the heat. City boss Pep Guardiola will also be without defensive rock Ruben Dias, who suffered a hamstring injury in the buildup to the match.
In response, Guardiola has reshuffled his defence, pairing Nathan Ake with Abdukodir Khusanov at the heart of the backline.
With key names missing on both sides, the Carabao Cup final is now shaping up to be a true test of squad depth, tactical discipline, and managerial brilliance under pressure.
