Arteta reveals the two important players that will miss Arsenal’s game against Southampton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that key midfielders Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Ødegaard will miss the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton.

Speaking to the media, Arteta revealed that Zinchenko is expected to return after the international break, which begins after this weekend’s fixtures. “Alex (Zinchenko) probably after the international break,” he said.

However, the situation with Ødegaard is less optimistic. “Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s pushing,” Arteta shared.

Ødegaard has been a crucial component of Arsenal’s success in recent seasons, playing a pivotal role in their midfield. His absence will be a significant blow for the Gunners, who are already missing several other key players due to injury.

Zinchenko, a versatile left-back who can also operate in midfield, has been a valuable asset to Arsenal’s squad since his arrival last summer. His return from injury will be a welcome boost for the team, although it will come too late for the Southampton game.

Arsenal will now have to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome the absence of these two important players. Their recent win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League suggests they have the quality to navigate through these challenges, but the absence of Ødegaard and Zinchenko will undoubtedly test their squad depth and tactical flexibility.