Five players face injury doubt as Arsenal visit Ipswich in Carabao Cup third round

Arsenal head to Portman Road on Tuesday evening for a Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Ipswich Town, with both clubs managing injury concerns that could shape their respective line-ups.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of right-back Ben White, who was substituted at half-time during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light after visibly wincing on several occasions in the opening 45 minutes. White was absent from training pictures published by the club on Monday, and Arteta offered no update on his condition after the Sunderland match, leaving his availability uncertain.

William Saliba remains a longer-term absentee for the Gunners, sidelined with a back problem he sustained on international duty with France. Defender Cristhian Mosquera is also continuing his recovery from a muscle injury, though Arteta suggested last week that a return could be imminent. “He’s doing really well, let’s see if he can get back for this game or the next one,” Arteta said ahead of the Sunderland fixture.

Ipswich, who arrive at this tie on the back of a dramatic 3-2 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, have injury concerns of their own. Midfielder Jack Taylor remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Azor Matusiwa is only just returning from a thigh complaint. Town manager Gary O’Neil confirmed the Dutch midfielder is not yet ready to start.

“Azor will obviously be a little bit longer before he’s available to start football matches, but he’s ready for minutes now,” O’Neil said. “We can start to get him back in and around matchday squads.”

Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup final last season before losing to Manchester City at Wembley, while Ipswich are back in top-flight football for the first time in over two decades. Both sides enter the tie having won their most recent Premier League outings, adding an extra edge to what is already a compelling cup encounter.