Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with an injury crisis after 11 players withdrew from international duty ahead of the club's crucial Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon. The withdrawals began after Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, with William Saliba (ankle), Jurriën Timber (groin), Gabriel Magalhães, Leandro Trossard, and Eberechi Eze all pulling out of their respective national teams.
Captain Martin Ødegaard also missed the final due to a persistent knee issue and subsequently withdrew from Norway's squad. Further concerns arose when Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapié limped off during friendlies for England and Ecuador respectively, with Madueke spotted leaving Wembley in a knee brace. Both are expected to miss the FA Cup trip to Southampton.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were given the first week off from England duty, with manager Thomas Tuchel insisting they had genuine issues. Meanwhile, Martín Zubimendi became the 11th Arsenal player to withdraw, reporting pain in his left knee after playing more Premier League minutes than any teammate this season.
Arteta admitted the international break is a period he does not enjoy, especially with so many players involved. His efforts to protect his squad have drawn comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously viewed internationals as a waste of time. Arsenal hope several absentees will return for the Southampton match, but the focus is on the Champions League first leg in Portugal.
