Arsenal face Southampton today at the Emirates Stadium as The Gunners continue their unbeaten streak in the Premier League this season. After a series of important clashes following the international break, Arsenal came out unscathed and now they continue their journey against The Saints at home.
Stats-wise, The Gunners are in the right direction but a few injuries might prove detrimental for Mikel Arteta. A total of six players might miss the home clash against Southampton.
This list includes Martin Ødegaard, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Mikel Arteta admitted that Ødegaard’s situation is dicey at the moment.
Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s feeling good and he’s pushing it. So difficult to give a timeline.
-Mikel Arteta
The Norwegian’s timeline remains under the shadows as both the club and player focus on getting him back to top form. On the other hand, White, Timber and Tomiyasu might make the cut for The Saints’ clash.
We had to modify training for a lot of players. It was the same today because of the load that they had. There will be a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them yes or no. Yeah they are close. And Tomiyasu is close too. So it’s good news.
-Mikel Arteta
Probable replacements for the injured Arsenal players
Riccardo Calafiori might replace Ben White on the right wing
If we do the math, Arsenal has 16 players for the Southampton clash. The Premier League allows 20 players for the match-day squad.
Although Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu might make the squad, there are still doubts over the trio’s availability. In this situation, academy players will have to step up for cover.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely make the squad. Maldini Kacurri will back up the defence if the need arises.
On the senior side, Riccardo Calafiori and Thomas Partey might start to cover for Ben White. Both are capable of playing on the right wing so it will not be much problem for Arteta on the flanks.
The target is to come out unbeaten as Arteta might be hoping to replicate Arsenal’s The Invincibles season. The Gunners have shown consistency but the competition remains intense in the Premier League.
We look forward and we competed really well in all games. There are for sure aspects that we have to improve. But we have shown a lot of consistency and adaptability in the way that we can play and win games. These are all positive signs but it’s very early in the season still.
-Mikel Arteta
