Arsenal's 10 injured stars' latest injury updates ahead of heavily rotated side to face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final
12:16, 31 Mar 2026
Mikel Arteta is preparing for heavy changes ahead of Arsenal's clash with Southampton due to injury issues
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Mikel Arteta is preparing for heavy changes ahead of Arsenal's clash with Southampton due to injury issues(Image: INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
What has become the story of the international break: the Arsenal players who have returned to the club from their respective national sides due to a range of fitness-related concerns. The Gunners and the national teams have been in close communication football.london understands to come to the correct resolution for all parties.
So far, ten players who had been called up, some of whom even played during this break, have since returned for medical assessment or treatment. It is at the behest of the national sides whether a player is sent back to their club; it is worth noting that, beyond rumours circulating online, it is not down to the club itself.
The first to pull out was Eberechi Eze after the midfielder suffered a calf injury ahead of the Carabao Cup final, which prevented both his involvement at Wembley and the trip to St George’s Park. Mikel Arteta was visibly and audibly concerned when speaking after the cup match; however, since then, there has been hope that perhaps the issue is not as bad as first feared, and he could make the squad for the trip to Manchester City on April 19.
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In his stead, Martin Odegaard, who was not called up to the Norwegian national side, is believed to be pushing for a return against Southampton this Saturday in the FA Cup quarter-final. The same can be said for Jurrien Timber, who was initially expected to join up with his Netherlands teammates; however, after missing the Carabao Cup final, it was decided that it was best for him to continue his rehabilitation.
William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard all pulled out of duty with France, Brazil and Belgium, respectively, but it is believed these were done so due to precautionary measures. Gabriel injured his adductor during a friendly with Brazil in November, and there is believed to have been some consideration of this here.
Martin Zubimendi has played more minutes this season than Jorginho and Thomas Partey have managed for their new clubs this season combined. In fact, he has played more than 1500 minutes more than the pair’s combined game time.
He has been carrying a knee problem, which was shown off during training with Spain as the midfielder was pictured with heavy strapping. He has since returned after making a substitute appearance it is thought it would be a surprise for him to be involved against Southampton.
The two players with more serious concerns are Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapie. The former suffered a knee injury for England against Uruguay and was spotted walking away with a knee brace.
However, first fears have somewhat eased, and while it is likely the winger misses some matches, a more serious prognosis would be a surprise. Hincapie, too, jogged off the field for Ecuador after seeming to suffer a muscular issue and could miss some games, but it is hoped this too is not serious.
The final pair, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, didn’t play any minutes for England and were sent back to Arsenal after assessment from the national side’s medical staff. It was deemed that both would be too great a risk to play any matches during the break, and that both club and country would benefit more from the pair just resting.
Again, both would be a surprise for involvement against Southampton, but could target the Champions League first leg with Sporting CP next week for their return to action, but will be monitored closely.
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It is likely that Ben White, Christian Norgaard, Max Dowman, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard could all make up a heavily changed team to take on the Saints on Saturday.