Arsenal's League Cup Challenge: Overcoming Defensive Doubts

Arsenal’s perfect start to the 2026-27 campaign now runs into one of their most awkward competitions.

Unbeaten in the Premier League and in Europe, Mikel Arteta’s side open a third front on Tuesday night with a trip to Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup third round. Six games played, six wins banked, Sunderland the latest to fall in a controlled 2-0 victory clouded only by what Arteta branded an “unacceptable” penalty decision.

The momentum is real. The history in this cup is not.

Arsenal’s relationship with the League Cup remains strained, last season’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the final stretching their wait for a first triumph in the competition since 1993. They keep getting close. They never quite finish the job.

Ipswich, who dispatched Leicester City 3-1 in the second round, now stand in the way of another tilt at the trophy. Arteta must juggle that ambition with a squad carrying a few early-season knocks.

Defensive doubts pile up

At the Stadium of Light, one of Arsenal’s most reliable figures sent a shiver through the away end. Ben White, ever-present so far this season, was seen clutching his groin before being withdrawn at half time against Sunderland. No formal update came from Arteta, but the defender has instantly become a major doubt for the trip to Portman Road.

The timing is awkward. White has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive structure, and any absence would force a reshuffle.

The good news for Arteta comes in the form of Jurrien Timber. The Dutchman has just returned from his own groin issue and came through the second half on Wearside without a problem. If White does not make it, Timber’s return suddenly looks less like a luxury and more like a necessity.

Cristhian Mosquera is another concern. The Spaniard has sat out Arsenal’s last three matches in all competitions after suffering a hamstring strain against Aston Villa. Arteta has been upbeat about his progress, saying Mosquera is doing “really well” in his recovery, and crucially, he has not yet been ruled out of Tuesday’s tie. That keeps the door ajar for a return, but it also underlines how thin the margins are at the back.

One defender Arteta knows he cannot call on is William Saliba. Arsenal’s only confirmed long-term absentee is still dealing with the back problem that flared up during the World Cup. The Frenchman is expected to remain sidelined until at least November 21, when a Premier League clash with Newcastle United looms on the calendar. Until then, the spine of Arsenal’s defence must be built without him.

No bans, just bruises

If injuries are an issue, discipline is not. Arsenal have no players suspended for the meeting with Ipswich, leaving Arteta free to rotate as he sees fit.

The question now is simple: with the league form flawless and Europe ticking along, is this the season Arsenal finally break their League Cup curse?