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Posted on April 3, 2026 3:00 am | Updated on April 2, 2026 10:03 pm
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Arsenal face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday, 4 April 2026. The match is at St Mary’s Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s team has many injury worries after the international break. Several key players missed national team games and returned early for checks.
No Suspensions for Arsenal
Good news first is that Arsenal have no players suspended for this FA Cup game, as per reports. Everyone who is fit can play, however, the focus is only on injuries and fitness doubts.
Bukayo Saka: Major Doubt (Knock)
Star winger Bukayo Saka withdrew from the England squad due to a knock. He felt discomfort and England decided not to risk him. It looks like a minor issue, but Arsenal are being careful.
Possible return date: 4 April vs Southampton or the Champions League game a few days later. Saka is a big player for Arsenal’s attack. The Gunners hope that he can at least make the bench.
Declan Rice: Major Doubt (Knock)
Midfield leader Declan Rice also left the England camp early with a knock. He has been playing through some discomfort for weeks. England manager Thomas Tuchel said the risk was too high to keep him.
Possible return date: 4 April vs Southampton or soon after. Rice is very important in the middle of the park. His energy and tackling help the whole team.
Noni Madueke: Out (Knee)
The new signing Noni Madueke picked up a knee injury during England’s game against Uruguay. He came off early and was seen wearing a knee brace. The scans show it is not too serious, but he will miss some games.
Possible return date: Around 15 April or later. He is expected to sit out the Southampton match and could also miss the first leg against Sporting CP which is a blow for attack options.
Martin Odegaard: Major Doubt (Knee)
Captain Martin Odegaard has been struggling with a knee problem. He missed recent games and was not with Norway for internationals. The club has managed him carefully.
Possible return date: Some reports say he is a major doubt for 4 April, while others hope he can feature soon. Many updates point to a possible return around 11 April against Bournemouth, however, his creativity in midfield is missed a lot.
Other Key Arsenal Players and Overall Injury Situation
Arsenal have a long list of worries after the international break. Players like Gabriel (knee), William Saliba (ankle), Jurrien Timber (ankle), and Leandro Trossard (hip) are also doubts or returning for assessment. Eberechi Eze (calf) is out longer, possibly until late April and long-term absentee Mikel Merino (foot) remains sidelined for months.
The club has seen up to 10-12 players affected by fitness issues recently. Arteta must decide who is fit enough to travel to Southampton. Young players or squad rotation may get a chance if stars are not ready.
What It Means for the Arsenal and Co?
Southampton are in the Championship and sit near the bottom, but FA Cup games can be tricky. Arsenal want to reach the semi-finals, however, with so many doubts, the team may look different from normal.
The club is hopeful that many players only have minor problems and can recover quickly. The medical checks this week will decide the final squad. Arsenal need to stay strong in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The Future Ahead
Arsenal have a busy April ahead and winning at Southampton would boost confidence. Everyone at the club is working hard to get the big names back fit and firing. In football, injuries happen, especially after international breaks. Arsenal’s depth will be tested with supporters watching training updates closely before kick-off on 4 April.
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Debanjan Mallick
Debanjan Mallick is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, delivering expert coverage of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With substantial experience in football journalism, he focuses on providing detailed analysis and feature articles that engage readers and offer deeper insights into the sport. Through his contributions to Six Sports, Debanjan produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing blends clarity with expertise, making him a reliable source for fans seeking high-quality football coverage.
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