Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Piero Hincapie, Ebere Eze, and Noni Madueke will all miss Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter final clash against Southampton this weekend.
Arteta Confirms Trio Will Miss FA Cup Quarter Final
The Arsenal manager revealed that Hincapie and Madueke picked up injuries while representing their national teams.
Hincapie suffered his issue on duty with Ecuador, while Madueke got hurt playing for England. Arteta eased fears over Madueke’s condition, describing the situation as “not bad.”
He explained that the winger initially feared a serious setback, especially given his previous knee problem that sidelined him for six weeks. However, the latest injury is much less severe.
“It looked really bad and Noni was really worried, especially with what happened with his other knee and he was out for six weeks.
But it’s nowhere near that injury and that is good news,” Arteta said on Arsenal FC.
When asked if he expects Madueke to return within days, the manager replied: “Yes, I think so.”
Eze also misses the trip to Southampton. The attacking midfielder sat out the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City before the international break and subsequently did not link up with the England squad.
But Arteta delivered positive news on two other key players. Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are both in contention to feature in the squad this weekend.
Their return provides a timely boost as Arsenal prepare for a crucial knockout tie.
The Gunners will look to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals without the injured trio, but the potential availability of Odegaard and Timber softens the blow.
Arteta will hope his side can overcome Southampton and keep their cup dreams alive.
