Mikel Arteta admits injured Arsenal trio can play against Southampton in FA Cup

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues updates over Martin Ødegaard, Jurriën Timber and Noni Madueke’s availability for the FA Cup tie against Southampton.

Southampton can be hailed as matchday 40 winners without even playing in the Championship this week. With Wrexham dropping points to relieve the pressure off Southampton, the club is now fully focused on their FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

However, Southampton’s luck hasn’t been as kind in the FA Cup as it has in the Championship. While Arsenal were set to miss Martin Ødegaard, Jurriën Timber and Noni Madueke for the FA Cup game, Mikel Arteta has recently provided fresh updates on the trio’s availability.

Arteta showed optimism about the inclusion of Martin Ødegaard and Jurriën Timber in the matchday squad against Southampton. As quoted by Football London, Arteta addressed the duo’s recovery, saying: “Those are in contention to possibly be in the squad.”

Mikel Arteta further ruled out long-term injury concerns for Noni Madueke after he had picked up a serious knee injury during the International break.

Arteta elaborated on Madueke’s status: “No, it’s not. It looked really, really bad, and Noni was really worried, especially after what happened. It was only a few weeks ago, and he was out for six weeks, but he’s nowhere near that injury, so that was really good news.”

The Arsenal boss then corrected the record by clarifying that England coach Thomas Tuchel had said Madueke’s recovery period was six days, and not six weeks.

On that note, here’s a look at each of the three Arsenal returnees’ season story and how they can impact the FA Cup tie against Southampton:

Martin Ødegaard

Ødegaard’s 2025/26 campaign has been heavily disrupted by injuries. The Arsenal captain has missed over 20 games for club and country due to multiple fitness concerns.

Martin Ødegaard’s recent knee injury came while attempting a last‑man block to deny Brentford a clear goalscoring opportunity. Though the midfielder tried an early return in the next game, his knee issue only worsened.

While boss Arteta has expressed optimism about Ødegaard’s participation, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is rested. With a crucial Champions League tie looming for Arsenal, the manager is unlikely to force his captain’s return against Southampton.

Even if he is named on the bench, Ødegaard is unlikely to play a significant role. Unless the tie goes to extra time, he shouldn’t pose a major threat to Southampton’s FA Cup hopes.

Jurriën Timber

Timber’s 2025/26 campaign has been among the best spells of his professional career. Though currently under an injury cloud, the full‑back has been a crucial figure in Arsenal’s brilliant season.

Jurriën Timber’s 11-goal contributions as an attacking right-back speak volumes about his role in Arsenal’s attacking prowess. That’s why Southampton will have a close look at his fitness ahead of the FA Cup tie.

Timber picked up his recent ankle injury on the brink of the international break. Though he missed some crucial games as a result, Mikel Arteta has hinted he could make the squad against Southampton.

It’s worth noting that Timber has been an untouchable starter for Arsenal in big games. If he gets matchday fit, Mikel Arteta wouldn’t think twice about putting him in the lineup for a crucial FA Cup tie that has the Gunners’ potential treble hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League tie, Jurriën Timber will likely play a significant chunk of the game if fit. His matchup against an error‑prone Ryan Manning on that flank could have a major say in deciding the FA Cup tie.

Noni Madueke

Compared to Ødegaard and Timber, Noni Madueke’s injury is a more recent blow for Arsenal. He suffered a devastating collision with Rodrigo Aguirre on international duty and had to be forced off.

Madueke was spotted leaving the game in a knee brace. However, Mikel Arteta’s recent update suggests the injury is not as serious as first feared.

While the Arsenal manager has hinted at Madueke’s early return, the forward is unlikely to feature against Southampton. Barring a last‑minute miracle, his injury concerns don’t allow for a return as early as within a week.

That’s not to undermine Thomas Tuchel’s six‑day recovery claim, but Southampton can be comparatively relaxed about his threat.

Noni Madueke’s potential absence would be a huge relief for Southampton. While the forward’s season numbers haven’t been outstanding, Madueke has had a knack for goals in the FA Cup.

Notably, he had 2 goals and 2 assists in three appearances in the FA Cup campaign this season. That’s why Madueke’s absence from the game could be a massive boost for Southampton’s FA Cup hopes.