Decisive London derby hangs in the balance as injuries plague both sides.

Tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium is poised on a knife-edge, but the spectacle risks being defined by who is missing rather than who is playing. Arsenal host Chelsea with a slender 3-2 aggregate lead, aiming to reach their first domestic cup final since 2020, yet both dugouts are grappling with a deepening fitness crisis that could strip the fixture of up to ten key protagonists.

For the Gunners, the mood in North London is cautiously optimistic following a 4-0 demolition of Leeds United, but the fitness of talisman Bukayo Saka remains the primary anxiety. The England winger limped out of warm-ups with a "little niggle," leaving manager Mikel Arteta sweating on his availability for this decisive encounter. The stakes are immense: a ticket to Wembley awaits the victor, offering a tangible reward for a season of high promise.

Chelsea’s Injury Nightmare

The situation is far grimmer across the capital. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior faces a selection headache of migraine proportions as he attempts to overturn the first-leg deficit. The Blues’ resurgence—marked by five consecutive wins—is being tested by a casualty list that reads like a first-team squad sheet. The absence of defensive pillars and creative sparks alike threatens to derail their Wembley ambitions.

• Defensive Crisis: Levi Colwill (ACL) and Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring) are ruled out, leaving the backline exposed.
• Midfield Voids: Dario Essugo remains sidelined with a knee issue, while Mykhailo Mudryk serves a suspension.
• The Brazilian Blow: Young sensation Estevao is unavailable, having been granted compassionate leave to return to Brazil.
• Late Fitness Tests: Jamie Gittens and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen are major doubts, with Rosenior admitting he won’t risk long-term damage for a single match.

A Test of Depth

With Mikel Merino also out for Arsenal following foot surgery, tonight’s clash will ultimately be a test of squad depth. "We have to wait and see," Arteta said regarding Saka, a sentiment echoed by Rosenior’s medical team. As the floodlights beam down on the Emirates at 23:00 EAT, the team that manages its absences best will likely be the one lifting tickets to Wembley.