Arsenal Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of Southampton Clash

Arsenal will be without four players for the trip to St. Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League on Tuesday, with one particular injury causing concern.

It’s the second time in four days that Mikel Arteta leads his side out against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, having lost the previous meeting 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round after Gabriel’s uncortunate own-goal.

Looking to extend their Premier League unbeaten run to six matches, while also recording their fifth consecutive clean sheet in the competition – a feat never achieved during the Emirates Stadium era –  the loss of a key defender could hamper their chances.

As revealed by the club, Kieran Tierney looks set to miss out on the trip south with a calf injury. It’s not known whether this is the same area where he previous suffered from muscle tightness, but Arsenal confirming the news on the eve of the fixture strongly suggests he isn’t due to take his place in the starting lineup.

Arsenal suffer Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang blow ahead of Southampton clash

"“Right calf. Kieran is being assessed for discomfort in the right lower leg,” an update said on the official Arsenal website."

In the reverse fixture on the weekend, Arteta opted for Cedric Soares in the left-back role ahead of Ainsley-Maitland Niles, an area he struggled in with his role on the opposite flank helping contribute to some wayward deliveries into the box.

Bukayo Saka could be fielded in that position lending to an attacking lineup.

Pablo Mari, as expected, is not available after suffering his own calf issue and is yet to return to training. Someone who has started taking part in sessions is Dani Ceballos, but the club confirm his own calf problem will rule him out of Tuesday.

Up front there will be no Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is dealing with a private personal family matter and has not travelled with the squad. The captain was a late withdrawal from the FA Cup defeat and continues to play no part. We wish him and his family all the best.

With the news of the Saints’ two first choice full-backs unavailable, tails will have been up. Now learning of Tierney’s expected absence, they might have sank down a touch.

It’s a big loss. However, with Manchester United to come on the weekend no risks can be taken.