Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta offers injury update on Gabriel Martinelli after Crystal Palace Carabao Cup win

“He could not carry on so what we had to make the sub,” the Arsenal manager explained following the match.

The substitution adds to the Gunners’ injury worries, though the extent of Martinelli’s problem remains unclear as the north London club prepare for a busy festive period.

Arsenal progressed to the last four courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga proving the hero by denying Maxence Lacroix from the spot.

The decisive save came after all 14 previous penalties had been converted, with both sides finding the net seven times each.

Marc Guehi’s late strike for the Eagles had sent the tie to spot kicks, cancelling out what had appeared to be a winning own-goal from Lacroix earlier in proceedings.

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The victory sets up a semi-final clash against Chelsea, giving Kepa the opportunity to go one better than his two runner-up finishes in the competition during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Despite the injury setback, Arteta expressed his satisfaction at booking a place in the semi-finals.

“Very happy to be in the semi-final,” he stated.

“We played against a team that is very hard to generate chances. We generated a lot and should have had more goals.”

The Spaniard acknowledged that failing to put the game to bed allowed Palace back into the contest, but praised his squad’s nerve from twelve yards.

“When you don’t close the game, it can always happen. The players were so composed with the penalties,” he continued.

“In the second half they were more aggressive but overall, it’s another victory and I’m very happy.”

William Saliba netted what turned out to be the crucial spot kick before Kepa’s heroics, with the French defender making only his third outing since returning from an injury layoff.

“It was a tough game against a top team. We did well. Apart from my mistake, we played well,” the 24-year-old reflected.

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The centre-back was keen to emphasise the lessons Arsenal must take from their previous campaign, when they fell at the semi-final stage against Newcastle.

“We are so happy to be in the semi-final. We have to learn the lesson from last season,” Saliba added.

“At the end, Kepa saved us. We want to win both games and go into the final.”

Chelsea, meanwhile, booked their own place in the semis with a 3-1 win over Cardiff City last week.