LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta continues to be secretive about his plans as the team faces injury issues ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton early Sunday morning.
Arteta confirmed that England striker Noni Madueke will not be available due to a knee injury, but team captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber have the opportunity to return to strengthen the squad.
Madueke previously suffered an injury during England’s friendly against Uruguay, but Arteta explained that the injury was not as serious as expected.
At the same time, several key players including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also did not participate in previous international assignments due to injury and fitness management factors.
However, Arteta refused to reveal the exact number of players who will return to action ahead of the important meeting.
“We are always transparent about the players’ conditions and decisions are made based on medical aspects.
“We are in a situation where we need to field the strongest line-up to win every competition,” he said.
Arsenal, who are chasing the FA Cup semi-finals, are seen wanting to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the League Cup final to Manchester City last month.
“We are only two or three games away from the FA Cup final and we know how important this tournament is,” said Arteta.