Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of our first team squad ahead of our return from international duty.
We head to St. Mary’s Stadium to face in-form Championship side Southampton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where we’ll be without Noni Madueke, although the winger’s injury isn’t as serious as first feared.
“No it’s not (serious),” Mikel told reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, “it looked really bad, Noni was really worried especially after what happened to him in his other knee a few weeks ago.
“He was out for six weeks (last time), but no, he’s nowhere near that injury, so that’s really good news.”
While the boss said that Noni will likely be back in action within days, he couldn’t put a timeframe on Eberechi Eze’s recovery.
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“Ebz is out,” the boss reported, “with Ebz I cannot put a finger (on a timeframe) there because I don’t know, because he’s a special character.”
As well as England duo Noni and Eberechi, Piero Hincapie also went off injured while playing for Ecuador.
The boss reported that Piero’s injury could be more serious, but he doesn’t know the extent of it yet.
In more positive news, both Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could be available for Sunday’s cup tie.
“Those are in contention to possibly be in the squad,” Mikel said on the pair, who missed the Carabao Cup final before the international window.
With players dropping out of international squads, both with injuries and to manage minutes, Mikel was also asked about his discussions with national team managers.
“Yeah, we have very good relationships and communications with most of the national teams, certainly with Thomas (Tuchel).
“We’ve been extremely supportive all the time, and when you have to communicate the state and the moment of every player, we are always very honest, and in the end it’s a medical decision that has to be made and that was clear, what the conclusion was.”
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