Arsenal will be hoping to return to winning ways as they continue their push for the Premier League title with a clash against Southampton this evening (Friday). The Gunners head into the game just four points clear of Manchester City after dropping points against Liverpool and West Ham in their last two fixtures.
Mikel Arteta looks set to be without William Saliba once again, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for the game against the Saints. The Ukraine international missed last weekend's 2-2 draw against West Ham United as a precaution over a groin issue, but despite taking part in a training session at London Colney on Wednesday, it has now been confirmed by Arteta that he may not be in contention to face the Saints.
Arsenal may have one eye on their potential title-decider against City next Wednesday as they travel to Etihad Stadium following their game against Ruben Selles' side this evening. football.london understands that Saliba is said to be willing to do whatever it takes to be available for selection for the Premier League title clash against Pep Guardiola's side.
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When asked about Zinchenko's fitness, Arteta said: "We will see with that one as well. It’s not certain.
"It’s a muscular injury and it needs some time to heal, and we are not there yet," he added. On Saliba, the Arsenal boss said: "No big news. The picture hasn’t changed from last week.
"Regarding William, we still have to wait a little bit more. He is not progressing as quick as we hoped. It’s a bit delicate and we want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load and the risk that we will take and at the moment that’s not possible to do.
"I don’t know [if Saliba will be available against City], it’s a bit early to do [predictions]. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty.
"There is some evolution, he is doing more activity, but he is not there yet to start to throw him on the pitch at the level that the sessions demand to compete in this league."
Given Arteta's comments, it could be the same side that drew against West Ham that starts against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium this evening.
football.london takes a look at the squad the Gunners will have against the Saints this evening.
Goalkeepers : Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, James Hillson.
Defenders : Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, Reuell Walters
Midfielders : Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Jorginho, Granit Xhaka.
Forwards : Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah.
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