Arsenal travel to the St Mary’s Stadium on Thursday to take on Southampton in the Premier League. And before the match, Mikel Arteta has been handed some much-needed injury boost.
Firstly, midfielder Granit Xhaka has returned to full training after picking up an ankle injury vs Man City last week meaning the Swiss international could be named in the starting line-up vs the Saints.
Secondly, in defence, centre-back Sokratis has also fully recovered from his injury and the defender should be eligible for selection.
This means either Mustafi or Rob Holding could drop to the bench since David Luiz is still suspended after picking up a red card at the Etihad.
Apart from these two players, there’s no immediate good news for the Arsenal manager.
The injury updates are as follows(according to the club’s official website):
Bernd Leno
Right knee. Positive news after detailed assessments. Sustained moderate ligament sprain during Brighton & Hove (a) on Saturday. Aiming to return to full training in four to six weeks.
Granit Xhaka
Back in full training from sprained right ankle sustained during Manchester City (a).
Sokratis
Back in full training following mild strain to right thigh.
David Luiz
Suspended. Serving second match of two-match ban after red card during Manchester City (a). David received a one-match ban for the offence, with another match being added due to it being his second red card of the season.
Pablo Mari
Left ankle. Sustained significant sprain to ankle ligaments during Manchester City (a) on Wednesday. Further assessments and specialist consultations to take place in forthcoming days to establish recovery programme. Likely to return to action in two to three months.
Gabriel Martinelli
Left knee. Sustained cartilage injury during training on Sunday. Further assessments and tests to take place in forthcoming days.
Cedric Soares
Integrating back into full training following facial injury. Successful procedure has taken place further to nasal fracture sustained in training. Aiming to be available for selection after Sheffield United (a).
Lucas Torreira
Right ankle. Sustained fracture to right ankle during Portsmouth (a) on March 2. Progressing well and aiming to return to full training in the next two to three weeks.
Calum Chambers
Left knee. Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Chelsea (h) on 29 December. Rehabilitation post-surgical repair continuing and currently progressing well with running and gym work. Will not be available for proposed schedule of remaining 2019/20 matches.
If Arsenal fail to pick up a win vs Southampton on Thursday then the Gunners could slide down to the second-half of the league table – given if the teams below them their respective matches.
