Report: 'Fantastic' Arsenal player hasn't been training this week, likely to miss Liverpool clash

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal are preparing for their crunch Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Thursday.

The Gunners will host Jurgen Klopp’s charges at the Emirates Stadium following last week’s goalless draw.

There is no away goal rule in this season’s competition, so the clash will be decided on the night.

However, one player looks set to miss the encounter, according to football.london.

The outlet claims Arsenal defender Cedric Soares hasn’t yet returned to training.

The defender suffered an injury in the first leg, having to come off in the 14th minute.

Cedric is still feeling pain in his hip, added the report.

His current inability to take part in training and run without pain would make the 30-year-old a huge doubt for Thursday’s match.

However, Arteta is reportedly set to have several players back for the encounter.

The Express claims that Kieran Tierney, Calum Chambers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes should be available.

Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard will be available for selection against the Reds, added the report.

The Norwegian missed the first leg after testing positive for covid.

Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain doubts, based on the football.london report and the lack of follow-up in The Express.

A fairly big blow for Arteta but Chambers could once again stand out – TBR View

Cedric, a player who Gilberto Silva once called “fantastic“, is Arteta’s second-choice right-back behind Tomiyasu.

With the Japan international potentially set to miss the game, the Portuguese’s continued absence would be a big blow.

That said, Chambers did really well when he came on against Liverpool, despite his lack of recent game time.

If the 26-year-old made the starting XI, Arsenal fans probably won’t mind too much, based on his last showing.