Arsenal return to Premier League action to take on Southampton this afternoon and Mikel Arteta is boosted by the return of two key players.
The Gunners picked up all three points against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday evening to continue their 100% record in the Europa League and qualify for the knockout rounds. Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table back downt o a single point but Mikel Arteta's side will be hoping to reclaim their four point lead after having only lost one game so far this season, coming against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Granit Xhaka, who scored the winner on Thursday night against PSV, has set his team the target of staying at the summit of the English top-flight heading into the break next month for the World Cup in Qatar. The fixture against Southampton presents a chance to seek revenge following last season's 1-0 loss in April - a result that played a part in the club missing out on Champions League football.
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Mikel Arteta was unable to call upon Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny for the win over PSV. With that being said, football.london provides an update on the injured members in the Arsenal squad following the victory.
Bukayo Saka
The England international retained his place in Arteta's starting line-up after scoring the winner at Leeds United on Sunday afternoon. Saka looked dangerous throughout but failed to make it three goals in three against PSV.
However, he was replaced by Reiss Nelson in the 85th minute after going down following a challenge.
What Arteta said: "Yeah, he got a kick, he was limping a little bit, but hopefully, he will be alright."
Saka was pictured in first team training for the Gunners on Saturday afternoon and looks set to be passed fit for the trip to the south coast this afternoon.
Expected return date: Southampton (A) - Sunday, October 23.
Gabriel Martinelli
The forward missed training on Wednesday, sparking rumours that he would be absent for the visit of PSV. However, the Brazilian was introduced in the 76th minute with the Gunners ahead - replacing Gabriel Jesus.
Martinelli seemed fine in his short cameo and has been pictured in first team training which is a positive sign ahead of this afternoon's trip to Southampton.
Expected return date: Southampton (A) - Sunday, October 23.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko suffered a knock to his knee in late August before briefly returning to action against Manchester United. He then picked up a calf injury in Arsenal training and has struggled to stay match-fit since. The Ukraine international has missed the Gunners' last six games, including the win over PSV.
The medical staff are monitoring the versatile defender and will be looking to not give him too much, too soon, concerning his physical workload.
What Arteta has said: "He had a recurring injury in his calf. That's why he's been out for this period."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has struggled to get his season underway so far, suffering with injury from pre-season before making his return from the bench against Manchester United last month. However, he then got injured in the warm-down at Old Trafford.
The England international has since undergone surgery which is set to keep him on the sidelines for an extended period, with no return date set as of this moment.
What Arteta has said: "That's been an ongoing issue that he's had. He's had some discomfort in the groin area and hasn't had any continuity this season," the Arsenal boss told reporters in a press conference before the 3-0 win over Brentford a couple of weeks ago. "It's something we are trying to assess.
"We're trying to help him as much as possible in any way we can because we need him fit, we need him available, and we need him performing at his best level because he's such an important player for us. Unfortunately, for this period and periods last year, we haven't had him."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny is suffering from a hamstring injury which he picked up against Fulham last month. It's likely to keep him out until the New Year, with Arteta describing the injury as "long-term".
What Arteta has said: "We still need to see another specialist, but I'm afraid we're going to lose Mo for a while."
"Obviously, that has an impact because Thomas is injured, and we are a bit short in that position."
Expected return date: Unknown.
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