Newcastle United are just 90 minutes away from another Carabao Cup final.
The Magpies are aiming to one-up their efforts from the 2022/23 campaign where they lost in the final, but need to get through the second leg of the semi-final against Arsenal unscathed.
A visit to Wembley against either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool could be on the cards if all goes to plan at St James’ Park in February – Eddie Howe will have a chance to win Newcastle’s first silverware for 55 years, and a first domestic trophy for 70 years.
Newcastle are in a fine run of form, much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta who bizarrely blamed the ball for Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle in the first leg.
The Magpies are on a run of eight straight wins following the win against Bromley in the FA Cup on Sunday. Howe’s side are also on an immense goalscoring run throughout scoring a staggering 29 goals in their last 11 games in all competitions.
Newcastle have been given a boost after William Osula scored his first Toon goal, a sign that he can be relied upon in the absence of Alexander Isak.
While Newcastle have been enjoying a fine run in front of goal, Arsenal are now struggling for firepower. Gunners boss Arteta confirmed another injury blow on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus stretchered off during Arsenal vs Manchester United
Gabriel Jesus, looked to have found his feet again after a slow start to the season, the Brazilian, who joined Arsenal for £45million in 2022, had scored three goals in his last five Premier League games.
However, during Arsenal’s penalty loss to Man United in the FA Cup the 27-year-old was stretchered off in the first half with a suspected knee problem.
Arteta was asked about Jesus after the game by TalkSPORT where he confirmed bad news for Arsenal fans.
“No update but it’s not looking good,” he said.
“He was in quite a lot of pain, he had to come off on a stretcher and it’s not looking good.”
Both Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri missed the Newcastle game at the Emirates earlier in January due to injury – Nwaneri could return for the second leg but Saka is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Newcastle players face fitness battles
There were nine changes in Newcastle’s win against Bromley, unfortunately for Howe, Harvey Barnes was forced off at half time with a muscle issue.
Alexander Isak missed the cup tie due to a minor hamstring problem but there is hope he should be available for Newcastle’s game against Wolves on Wednesday night.
Elsewhere, Nick Pope is in contention for a return as well as Emil Krafth who spent several weeks out with a broken collarbone. Howe also recently confirmed Callum Wilson should be available from February if his recovery goes to plan.
Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman were both rested for the game.
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