When every injured Arsenal star could return to fitness as eight-player update given

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Arsenal face a significant injury list as they prepare for the business end of the season, with eight players currently dealing with various fitness issues following the international break.

The Gunners suffered a setback with their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, but manager Mikel Arteta will be encouraged by the prospect of several key players returning for their FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on April 4.

Captain targets Saints return

Martin Odegaard appears closest to a comeback, with Norway boss Stale Solbakken suggesting the captain could be available for the Southampton trip. According to Football London, Solbakken believes the three-week gap gives Odegaard a realistic target for his return.

“Now it is three weeks until Arsenal play again, or two-and-a-half weeks. I think it could be a goal for Martin to be in a squad then. It is within reach,” the Norway manager explained.

Defensive duo nursing knocks

William Saliba withdrew from France duty due to a left ankle issue, with Les Bleus medical staff recommending a minimum 10-day rest period. The defender should be available against the Saints, though Arteta may choose to manage his minutes carefully.

Gabriel Magalhaes also pulled out of Brazil’s squad with right knee pain but requires only rest and should be fit for the FA Cup clash. Leandro Trossard stayed behind due to a hip problem but is expected to be fine when club football resumes.

Riccardo Calafiori reported a niggle after the Wembley final but is expected to be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.

Longer-term concerns

Eberechi Eze faces the lengthiest spell on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury against Bayer Leverkusen. The winger could be out for between four and six weeks, though Arsenal hope he might return sooner pending this week’s scan results.

Jurrien Timber continues his recovery from an ankle injury picked up against Everton, with the defender also dealing with potential adductor issues. He may need several more weeks to reach full fitness.

The most concerning case involves Mikel Merino, who attended Sunday’s final in a protective boot and using crutches for support. The midfielder faces a race against time to play again this season following surgery, with his primary focus on being fit for the World Cup.

Arsenal’s lengthy injury list presents a challenge as they chase silverware on multiple fronts, but the majority of their sidelined stars should return within the coming weeks to boost Arteta’s options for the season’s crucial final months.