Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided a detailed update on the team's injury situation following the international break at a press conference on Friday.

Ahead of their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final match against Championship side Southampton, Arsenal received a mix of good and bad news. The most exciting news for fans was undoubtedly the return of key players.

Martin Ødegaard and Jorian Timber, who unfortunately missed the League Cup final, are recovering very well. Arteta confirmed that both players are actively seeking playing time in Sunday's cup match and are highly likely to be included in the matchday squad, helping the team in their quest for a place in the semi-finals.

Among the players who suffered injury warnings during the international break, winger Noni Maduk's situation is relatively fortunate. Although he will miss the match against Southampton, Arteta clarified that his injury is not serious.

However, injuries to two other key players have cast a shadow over the team. Eberreki Eze has been confirmed to be sidelined due to injury, and Arteta admitted that he cannot currently provide a clear timetable for his return.

Even more worrying is the injury suffered by Piero Sincape while playing for the Ecuadorian national team. Arteta revealed that his injury may be quite serious, and the exact extent of the injury still needs further evaluation by the medical team.

In addition, regarding the recent public attention on players withdrawing from national team training camps due to injury or playing time management, Arteta responded that Arsenal maintains very open and good communication with national teams. He reiterated that the club never conceals information when informing national teams about player conditions, and all final conclusions are strictly based on assessments by professional medical teams.

Image source: Internet