Returning to north London, Arteta faces a daunting schedule without his star playmaker. The league leaders currently sit top with 70 points, nine clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Following the international break, they resume their treble charge with an FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton on April 4. Just three days later, they travel to face Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. A defining Premier League showdown against Pep Guardiola's men also looms on April 19, meaning squad depth will be severely tested during this crucial run-in.