Arsenal guaranteed to be without six players for Southampton as Jurrien Timber call 'confirmed'

Arsenal face Southampton on Saturday and Mikel Arteta has a handful of players missing through injury

Arsenal welcome Southampton to Emirates Stadium this weekend and Mikel Arteta has one clear focus ahead of the fixture - remain unbeaten.

"That’s what we are trying to do," the Gunners boss said when asked if it was important his side continue their unbeaten run against the Saints. "We had a really difficult fixture list after the international break, and a lot of unpredictable things in terms of injuries and players now being available on top of that. But we adapted.

"We look forward and we competed really well in all games. There are for sure aspects that we have to improve. But we have shown a lot of consistency and adaptability in the way that we can play and win games. These are all positive signs but it’s very early in the season still."

Arteta will hope that a number of players return to fitness in the coming weeks with the second international break of the season on the horizon. For now, however, Martin Odegaard remains out as he continues his recovery from a foot problem. "Martin is very difficult," Arteta admitted on Friday. "I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s feeling good and he’s pushing it. So difficult to give a timeline."

Two players Arteta is hoping to welcome back for the match against Southampton are Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another who is close to returning to full fitness.

"We had to modify training for a lot of players," Arteta said. "It was the same today because of the load that they had. There will be a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them yes or no.

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"Yeah they [White and Timber] are close. And Tomiyasu is close too. So it’s good news."

Timber has been left out of the Dutch squad for the coming international break, which makes him a huge doubt for Saturday's clash. White has also not been pictured in training so Arteta may be forced to play one of Riccardo Calafiori or Thomas Partey at right back.

Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are the other two senior players on the injury table. This latest injury news means Arteta will likely be without six senior players for the visit of Leicester, although this includes White, Timber and Tomiyasu who face late fitness tests.

So, looking at the official Arsenal website, the Gunners have 16 fit senior players available for selection for the game vs Southampton. As per Premier League rules, a club is allowed to name a squad of 20 players for a Premier League match which means a few academy stars will need to step up.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely be named in the matchday squad once more, while Maldini Kacurri can act as defensive cover. The final spot could go to Joshua Nichols who made his debut against Bolton in the Carabao Cup last month.

Possible Arsenal squad for Southampton: Raya, Neto; Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Kacurri, Nichols; Partey, Rice, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Havertz; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus.

Senior players unavailable for Leicester: Odegaard (ankle injury), Tomiyasu (knee injury - doubt), Tierney (hamstring injury), Zinchenko (calf injury), White (groin injury - doubt), Timber (muscle injury - doubt).

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