Mikel Arteta played down distractions, brushed aside injury fears and insisted Arsenal's full focus was fixed on Nottingham Forest as the Gunners prepared for another demanding Premier League away game.
Mikel Arteta made it clear the Carabao Cup semi-final was far from over after Arsenal's 3-2 first-leg win over Chelsea, admitting his side failed to land a decisive blow despite a dominant display.
Kai Havertz is set for a familiar return to Stamford Bridge as Arsenal face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, with the German included in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Mikel Arteta has moved to clarify Arsenal's injury situation as attention turned to the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Chelsea, insisting there was encouragement despite a few concerns.
Mikel Arteta has praised Gabriel Martinelli's mentality after the winger responded to recent criticism with his first Arsenal hat-trick in a 4-1 FA Cup third-round win away at Portsmouth on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal side deserved major credit for a "remarkable" festive run after a goalless draw with Liverpool that still left the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League.