Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze will miss England's upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan due to a calf injury. The 27-year-old was ruled out after suffering the problem, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta. Eze was part of the 35-man squad announced earlier this week but watched Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City from the stands. Arteta stated Eze requires further scans in six to seven days before a decision on his availability can be made.

Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory at Wembley, with defender Nico O'Reilly scoring both goals. The win marked Pep Guardiola's 19th trophy in nine years at the club. Arsenal, still seeking their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, remain nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. Arteta defended his decision to start backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over first-choice David Raya in the final, despite Raya's failed attempt to prevent City's opening goal. Arteta emphasized his choice was based on Raya's performance throughout the competition and felt it would be unfair to change the goalkeeper now.

Arsenal face a crucial period, with quarterfinal ties remaining in both the FA Cup and the Champions League. Arteta acknowledged the disappointment but vowed to use it as motivation for the next two months, stating, 'That's on us and we'll manage that energy in the right way.'