Arsenal could now be without two key players for Southampton clash

Sat 5 October 2024 7:45, UK

Arsenal will be eager to keep up their good run of form when they host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners remain unbeaten this season and have also won their last three consecutive games in all competitions.

Arsenal will be heavy favourites at home against the Saints, who are still finding their feet in the top flight following promotion last season.

Russell Martin’s charges are yet to win in the league, though they’ve had a taste of victory in the Carabao Cup this term.

On Friday, Arteta provided some “good news” in terms of his personnel ahead of the Southampton clash.

However, has now reported that two key Gunners players who were doubts for the game now seem unlikely to feature.

Arsenal duo Jurrien Timber and Ben White appear likely to miss out v Southampton

Jurrien Timber came off at half-time against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday with a muscular issue.

Meanwhile, Ben White missed that game with a knock and Takehiro Tomiyasu has been out all season so far with a knee issue.

On Friday, Arteta said all three were nearing a return, deeming it “good news”.

However, football.london noted how Timber has been left out of the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break.

This ‘makes him a huge doubt for Saturday’s clash’.

As for White, football.london noted how he was not pictured in training, suggesting he could also miss out.

Arteta may now be forced to play one of Riccardo Calafiori or Thomas Partey at right-back, added the outlet.

As things stand, Arsenal risk being without six key players for Saturday’s clash.

Timber and White appear likely to miss out, while Tomiyasu remains a doubt going into the game.

As for definite absences, the Gunners will be without Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Despite these absences, Arteta would still be able to name a strong back line for the Saints clash.

The Arsenal boss could opt for Calafiori on the right-hand side of defence and Jakub Kiwior on the left.

And barring any late issues, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to start at centre-back in front of David Raya.