How Arsenal could line up against Southampton while Mikel Arteta receives triple injury boost

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has received a triple injury boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton.

Regular player Bukayo Saka limped off in Thursday’s 1-0 win against PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League.

3

3

But the 21-year-old England international is expected to be back for the trip to St Mary’s.

Gabriel Martinelli will also make the trip after not feeling “great”.

Arteta confirmed: “I think he (Saka) is fine.

“He struggled a bit at the end but hopefully he’ll be fine on Sunday.

“He (Martinelli) had a tough week. During the week he was not well.

“But the day before the game he was better, so we decided to play him a bit.”

Oleksandr Zinchenko is suffering from calf problems but is making good progress.

It remains to be seen whether the Ukraine star will make it into Sunday’s game.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON SOCCER

But Arteta offered a positive update nonetheless, saying: “I think he’s close.

“He’s getting better and better and making really good progress.

“He had a setback from an injury he picked up earlier in the season which is a shame but knowing Alex he will be back very soon.”

And so Arsenal will go into the game with the Saints at full strength as close as possible.

Aaron Ramsdale will keep his place in goal while being protected by a back four of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel.

The in-form Granit Xhaka will retain his place in midfield alongside Thomas Partey.

The Swiss star scored the winning goal against PSV.

And Saka, Martin Odegaard and Martinelli will support striker Gabriel Jesus.

Alternatively, Marquinhos could be given a Premier League start.

Should Martinelli not make it, compatriot Marquinhos would be a suitable replacement.

And Kieran Tierney can be called up at left-back.

3