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Most of the talk over the international break has centred around the number of Arsenal players who withdrew from international duty, so, as Mikel Arteta met with the press ahead of the game against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final, let’s see who is and isn’t available.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta is likely to make a number of changes to his starting XI for thisFA Cup game against Southampton, so some of the players who might not be available this weekend should, miraculously, return for Tuesday’s game in Lisbon against Sporting.
Heading off the narrative, Arteta said when asked about the withdrawals, “I think when a player is fit and available, they have to play,” he said. “The players are desperate to play with the national team.” That should be an end to it all, but we know it won’t be.
Asked specifically about the England withdrawals of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice he said, “we have very good relationships with most of the national teams. Especially with Thomas [Tuchel] and when you have to communicate the state of every player, that was clear what the conclusion was.”
Arsenal players – out
Mikel Merino, as we know, is out for the season.
Eberechi Eze has a calf problem he picked up against Bayer Leverkusen. He has already missed the game against Manchester City in the League Cup final and will miss this one as well. “Ebs is out,” Arteta said. “With Ebs I cannot put a finger [on a return date] because he is a special character.”
Noni Madueke, meanwhile, picked up a knee injury while playing for England. Seen in a knee brace after the game, he is set to miss a couple of weeks. “It looked really bad and Noni was really worried,” Arteta said. “But no it is nowhere near that injury.”
Piero Hincapie, who withdrew from international duty with muscular discomfort, has also been ruled out.
Arsenal players – doubts
Martin Odegaard was close to being involved at Wembley and it was hoped he would be available for the game against the Saints.
Along with Jurrien Timber, who also missed the final, both “are in contention to be in the squad.”
