Arsenal could lose 10 key players ahead of the FA Cup.

Arsenal is entering a crucial phase of the season with their squad severely depleted.

Before the FA Cup clash against Southampton, manager Mikel Arteta faces a difficult personnel challenge as up to 10 players are either injured or uncertain for selection.

The recent national team gathering was truly a nightmare for the Emirates Stadium side. Several key players had to return early to undergo medical checks, significantly disrupting Arsenal's preparation plans. Given the congested fixture schedule, the shortage of available players could hinder the Gunners in both domestic and European competitions.

A case receiving considerable attention is Eberechi Eze. The player encountered a calf issue before the Carabao Cup final. While initially causing major concern, recent updates indicate positive progress, and he could return by late April.

In midfield, Arsenal may receive encouraging news regarding Martin Ødegaard as the Norwegian captain strives to recover after missing the national team call-up. Additionally, Jurrien Timber is in the final stages of his rehabilitation and ready to compete for a spot soon.

Arsenal's defensive line has somewhat eased pressure as the trio William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Leandro Trossard only withdrew from the national team as a precautionary measure. Initial assessments suggest none have serious injuries, and they are likely to be available on the bench.

However, the situation remains not entirely optimistic as Martin Zubimendi continues to have knee issues. Although he recently returned to play, this midfielder is unlikely to recover in time for the Southampton match. This is a significant loss given Arsenal's midfield lacks depth.

More concerning are the cases of Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapié. Both sustained injuries while on international duty and are almost certain to miss the upcoming match, though the severity is not too high.

Furthermore, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also did not play for England and were sent back to the club to focus on recovery. This pair aims to return for the Champions League match next week, rather than risking participation in the FA Cup.

Given the current situation, manager Arteta is likely to give opportunities to reserve players or younger talents. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Arsenal to test squad depth during this pivotal season phase. The Southampton match thus not only carries the importance of advancing, but also serves as a crucial test for the Gunners' ambitions.