Six Arsenal players have been forced to withdraw from their international squads due to recent injury concerns.
The Gunners went into the March international break off the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final. Nico O’Reilly scored twice in the game, to prevent Arsenal from winning their first trophy of the season.
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Mikel Arteta will hope that his players will be able to bounce back after the break when they face an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton and a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP when they return.
However, there are several injury concerns, as six Arsenal players have had to withdraw from international duty because of fresh issues after the final last weekend.
The six Arsenal players who have withdrawn from international duty
Gabriel
Firstly, Brazilian centre-back Gabriel has had to withdraw because of a knee issue that he suffered during the Carabao Cup final.
“Imaging tests have confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes is not fit to play in the matches during this FIFA international break,” a Brazilian national team statement read.
William Saliba
Saliba has also been ruled out of action for the France international squad, as he is dealing with an ankle issue which he will aim to recover from before the end of the break.
It is understood that Saliba requires treatment, which isn’t great news for Arsenal, it could put him in doubt heading into the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals.
Leandro Trossard
Trossard has been ruled out of the Belgium squad, as he is dealing with a hip problem that he sustained against Man City. He was subbed off after 82 minutes, and is deemed unable to feature for Belgium.
The winger’s issue isn’t understood to be a major problem, and so he will likely be able to return for Arsenal after the break with no problem.
Eberechi Eze
Eze was ruled out of the England squad, but also out of the final as he has been dealing with a calf problem. He is expected to have a scan this week to determine how serious it is.
Arsenal will hope that the former Crystal Palace man can return after the international break, as he is a real difference maker, and could prove to be valuable during the run-in.
Jurrien Timber
Timber also missed the Carabao Cup final, as he has been dealing with a knock. It isn’t expected to be a major problem, but the Dutchman has had several injury problems this season.
Mikel Arteta will be desperate to get Timber back, especially seeing as White is away on international duty, and could be on limited fitness when he returns.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Odegaard is also out of the international break, as he has been dealing with a knee injury.
Mikel Arteta said on Sunday: “They (Odegaard and Timber) couldn’t make it, so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let’s see after the international break if we have anybody back.”