Mikel Arteta reveals potential return of Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber for Southampton showdown.

Madueke was one of 11 Arsenal players who opted out of international duty last month due to injuries and fitness concerns as the team aim for their first Premier League title since 2004.

“When it comes to updating everyone on the status of our players, we maintain complete honesty, and a medical decision was necessary. The conclusion was straightforward,” Arteta informed reporters on Friday.

“We take immense pride in having so many players representing their national teams. These players are eager to don their country’s colours. I understand the significance of this to them, and we fully support their aspirations. Whenever we can facilitate that, we do so.”

Madueke sustained a knee injury during England’s friendly against Uruguay, causing him to miss the encounter with Japan. Nevertheless, Arteta noted that the injury is not as severe as the knee issue that previously sidelined him for six weeks.

Unavailable for their national teams are Martin Zubimendi, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Timber, Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice.

Arteta did not reveal how many of these players might be fit for Saturday’s match as Arsenal aim to bounce back from last month’s League Cup final defeat to Manchester City and secure a return to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Currently, we are focused on putting together the strongest line-up possible to compete at the highest level across all competitions,” he stated. “We are just two or three matches away from the FA Cup, and we understand the importance of this tournament for us.”