Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Piero Hincapie ahead of his side’s clash against Southampton. The two sides are set to lock horns in the FA Cup quarter-finals at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, April 4.
The Gunners were left worried after Noni Madueke picked up an injury early during England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay during the recent international break. The 24-year-old was pictured wearing a knee brace after the game, leading to many fans thinking he suffered a serious injury. Madueke notably missed 11 games across all competitions earlier this season due to a knee injury.
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On the other hand, Eze picked up a calf injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 (March 17). Meanwhile, Hincapie also limped off injured while representing Ecuador with a suspected hamstring injury during their 1-1 draw against Morocco on March 27.
Arteta stated, as per Arsenal’s official website:
“No it’s not (serious), 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 Spaniard reported that Hincapie’s injury could be more serious than expected, he also provided an update on Eze:
“Ebz is out, with Ebz I cannot put a finger (on a timeframe) there because I don’t know, because he’s a special character.”
Arteta also had positive news during the interview, admitting that Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could feature against Southampton after recovering from their respective injuries.
“I think they’ll make it very difficult” – Alan Shearer makes bold prediction for Arsenal vs Southampton FA Cup clash
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to defeat Southampton in their upcoming FA Cup clash. However, he reckons the Saints will make it difficult for the Gunners, claiming all the pressure is now on Mikel Arteta and Co.
While the Gunners have impressed this season and are now the favorites to win the Premier League title, they suffered a massive blow after losing the EFL Cup final against Manchester City on March 22.
Shearer reckons this could play on their minds as he told METRO:
“I think Arsenal will know and they’ll understand how tough this fixture is against Southampton, particularly on the back of what happened two weeks ago in the Carabao Cup.”
He added:
“Everyone’s looking at them, and the pressure is on them. I think Southampton could give them a really difficult game, and they are flying at the moment in terms of where they were to where they are now in the Championship. I think they’ll make it very difficult, but I think Arsenal will have enough to get through.”
“If Arsenal get knocked out, it would be incredibly tough for them, mentally, to go on and achieve what they want to achieve if they don’t get through this weekend. But I think they’ll get through.”
The north London outfit have excelled in the FA Cup this season to date, defeating Mansfield Town (2-1), Wigan Athletic (4-0), and Portsmouth (4-1).
Edited by Silas Sud
