How Arsenal could be forced to line-up for FA Cup quarter-final amid international break injury crisis

Mikel Arteta could face a selection headache for Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton.

The Gunners return to action at St. Mary’s on Saturday following the international break, live on talkSPORT.

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However, Arteta’s side is set to be depleted by injuries after a string of players withdrew from their national teams.

Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi are the latest stars to return to the club early, with TEN Arsenal players now pulling out.

Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke have all left the England camp since Friday’s draw with Uruguay.

Meanwhile, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard withdrew from their national teams last week.

Eze has already been ruled out for at least a month, with his potential return scheduled for the home clash with Newcastle United on April 25.

The latest injury concerns join Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard on the treatment table.

Merino will miss the rest of the season having been sidelined with a broken foot in January.

As for Odegaard, he was left out of Norway’s squad this month due to a knee injury.

The Arsenal captain will not be fit to return against the Saints, with his comeback expected against Bournemouth on April 11.

How could Arsenal line-up against Southampton?

It means Arteta could be forced to experiment with his line-up next weekend.

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First-choice goalkeeper David Raya will be available if Kepa Arrizabalaga is dropped following the Carabao Cup final where he was at fault for Manchester City’s opening goal as the Gunners lost 2-0.

However, Riccardo Calafiori may be deployed in central defence alongside Cristhian Mosquera.

The Italian has appeared at centre-back against Brighton and Mansfield Town in recent weeks.

Calafiori also features in a back three when playing for Italy.

Further forward, Kai Havertz could drop deeper than what he’s used to into midfield to partner Christian Norgaard.

Ahead of him, teenage sensation Max Dowman could join Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli behind Viktor Gyokeres.

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Although he has most often featured as a winger for the Gunners, Dowman has also played in attacking midfield for the club’s youth teams.

Meanwhile, Jesus regular appeared as a right winger during his early months at Manchester City after joining the club in 2017.

Arsenal are also in Champions League action just three days after their meeting with Southampton.

The Gunners face Sporting Lisbon away from home in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, April 7.

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