Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal news: Evan Ferguson transfer update as Mikel Arteta makes 'surprise' claim

Arsenal take on Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup as they look to return to winning ways following their draw with Manchester City and Mikel Arteta has injury concerns

by · The Mirror

Fresh from earning a hard-fought draw over Manchester City, Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday evening in search of a win.

Following consecutive stalements, the Gunners will hope to defeat Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round as they compete for silverware this term. Mikel Arteta may attempt some rotation but has already conceded his team's injury issues will limit his ability to do so.

The Spanish coach provided updates on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard but was less forthcoming on other members of his squad ahead of welcoming the Trotters to the Emirates. Arteta's press conference instead saw jibes after accusations Arsenal relied on the dark arts against City.

Mirror Football takes a look at Arsenal's injury news and other stories from around north London ahead of the clash with Bolton.

Injury update

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard will both still be out for a number of weeks as Mikel Arteta admitted it would be a 'surprise' for Arsenal's captain to make a return before the international break.

The Gunners' boss was coy over team news as his side prepare to face Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round. Asked about the condition of players who came out of the City clash worse for wear, Arteta was less than forthcoming.

The Spaniard admitted a 'few' players would be unavailable. David Raya was seen limping away from the Etihad on Sunday, while Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori all had issues too.

Jurrien Timber was one of the players to come off the pitch during the dramatic draw with City( Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

When asked about whether a serious injury was suffered in the Premier League clash Arteta returned: "We have to wait on one of them".

Raheem Sterling could start for the Gunners however. "He has had a few minutes already and tomorrow he has another opportunity," said Arteta. He is ready, he is really hungry to add more minutes and impact the team in the way that he can, and hopefully tomorrow we can see that.”

Bukayo Saka matches Thierry Henry record

Bukayo Saka may have only played for 45 minutes against Man City this weekend but in providing an assist for Gabriel matched a record of Thierry Henry.

It was the fifth Premier League match in succession that Saka set-up a goal for a teammate, and only Arsenal legend Henry has managed that in the opening five matches of the division previously. The Frenchman accomplished the feat in 2004/05.

Saka has registered an assist in each of Arsenal's first five Premier League matches( Image: Getty Images)

Saka may soon have a bigger record in his sights however. Mesut Ozil has the honour of assisting in more ,consecutive Premier League matches than anyone else. The ex-Gunner managed to do so in seven games in a row in 2015/16.

Cesc Fabregas managed to achieve six games in succession, albeit across his time with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Evan Ferguson transfer interest

Evan Ferguson enjoyed a rapid rise at Brighton to quickly be linked to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and a whole host of the best clubs in Europe. After almost a year without a Premier League goal some of the clamour has died down, though transfer rumours were still present in the summer.

Ferguson is still just 19 and is still increasing his minutes at Brighton after being ruled out with an ankle injury late last season. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that he remains on the shortlist of top clubs despite his setbacks.

Evan Ferguson has had injury struggles in recent months( Image: Getty Images)

"Of course (his stock has dropped), when you don’t play regularly and don’t score regularly, it’s not the same feeling we have about a player like Gyokeres who is scoring every week. It’s a different feeling," Romano explained.

"What I am hearing in the industry is that he’s still very much appreciated, he’s still highly rated, they know how good his potential is, at Brighton it is difficult because they have so many quality players, they love to rotate, it’s a different concept.

"The player is still appreciated in the market, and I still think he’s in the list of big clubs around Europe when it comes to a number nine. I can guarantee he’s still in the list of several clubs for the next years."

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