Arteta hints at Odegaard and Timber return for Arsenal's FA Cup clash

Madueke missed England's recent fixtures after suffering a knee issue, and Arteta confirmed the attacker would not be available for the weekend clash. However, the Arsenal manager played down the severity of the injury.

"When you have to communicate the state of every player, we are always honest and a medical decision had to be made," Arteta said. "That was clear what the conclusion was."

He added that the club continued to support players representing their countries, despite the disruption caused by international withdrawals.

"It makes us so proud that we had that many players in the national team. Players are desperate to play for their nation. I know how important it is to them. We are fully supportive of that and when we can do it, we do it."

Arsenal had been heavily affected by international absences, with several key players - including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice - not involved with their national sides due to fitness concerns.

Arteta refused to confirm how many would return in time for the Southampton tie but made it clear Arsenal would prioritise strength in selection as they chased silverware.

"We're in a position right now where we need to make the strongest line-up we possibly can to win every competition," he said. "We are two or three games away from the FA Cup and we know how important that competition is for us."

The quarter-final offered Arsenal a chance to respond after their League Cup final defeat to Manchester City, with a place at Wembley in the semi-finals now firmly in sight.