Arsenal will continue their push for silverware when Mikel Arteta's players return from representing their respective countries this international break
Head Coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Arsenal FC
Mikel Arteta could be without several Arsenal players for their next match(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Arsenal are being represented on the world stage during the international break, with Mikel Arteta's side next in FA Cup action. They entered the break on the back of a defeat in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City.
The Gunners have enjoyed an incredible season to date. They sit atop the Premier League with nine points separating them and the chasing City and are still in Champions League contention.
While they may not be able to achieve a quadruple after their Carabao Cup loss, they can still win the FA Cup and their next fixture sees them travel to Southampton in the competition's quarter-finals.
Arsenal's five injury updates
The Gunners have seen a huge number of their players withdraw from international duty during this break, including three who were initially called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
Noni Madueke suffered a knee injury while playing for the Three Lions in their friendly last Friday. The Athletic now reports that he will miss the match with Southampton and is a doubt for the following Champions League clash against Sporting CP.
Noni Madueke of England leaves the game injured during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium
Madueke limped off injured(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also left the England camp on Saturday. Speaking about all three, manager Tuchel said: "The risk for making it worse was clearly too big, they were both in discomfort, clearly in discomfort when we did the medical assessments.
"So it made no sense for them to stay. Everyone will be out for quite some days but not dramatically. The assessment then, with the picture, is slightly better than his feeling, but he will be out for some days."
CBS Sports reports that Piero Hincapie, who was sent home from Ecuador duty, will also likely miss the FA Cup game, leaving Arteta sweating over the Sporting fixture and their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal passes the ball during a training session
Rice and Saka returned early from England duty(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Martin Odegaard is another who is missing out on playing for his country because of injury. Norway boss Stale Solbakken says the excluded Odegaard is making good progress with his recovery from a knee issue. The manager told Dagbladet: "When he will be ready, I don't know. But it is good progress."
Declan Rice's England team-mate speaks out
Although Rice won't get to feature in an England shirt this break, missing the Uruguay match after being given an extended rest period, one of his midfield team-mates has sung his praises.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson of England interact following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium
Anderson spoke highly of Rice(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson has shared what it's like sharing the pitch with the Arsenal star, who he says has welcomed him into the fold behind the scenes. He said: "It's a really good partnership, he's made me comfortable.
"The relationship on the pitch is really good. I'm trying to learn from the way he plays, bits of advice, putting his arm around me, building the relationship."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image