Gabriel, Rice, Saka, Hincapie - Latest Arsenal injury news and possible return dates

Arsenal continue to be plagued by injuries, with Mikel Arteta dealt a new concern during Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton

Mikel Arteta still has eight Arsenal injury concerns despite welcoming back five players for the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton. Doubt still surrounds Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapie, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and now Gabriel Magalhaes, with the latter appearing to suffer a knee injury.

William Saliba was his replacement midway through the second half, with Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke also introduced after withdrawing from international duty. Despite those names coming on, the Gunners were knocked out by the Championship side, with Shea Charles scoring a late winner.

Viktor Gyokeres had continued his recent momentum by bagging the equaliser off the bench to cancel out Ross Stewart's first-half opener. The defeat at St Mary's Stadium is a major concern for Arteta and Co., with two big games to come in the next six days.

Getting those injured players back quickly will likely ease Arteta's worries with further updates to come early next week ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest updates on those injured players.

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Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel was pointing to his knee when receiving treatment from Arsenal physios. He was subsequently taken off in the 72nd minute with Saliba on as his replacement. The 28-year-old was one of the players that withdrew from international duty.

What Arteta has said: "I don't know. I think he felt something. I don't know exactly what it is. We're going to have to assess him. But obviously when a player asks him to be substituted, it’s not good news."

Possible return date: N/A.

Declan Rice

Arteta confirmed that Rice has been managing issues for a while, but with no obvious muscular injury present, a return to the fold next week looks likely.

What Arteta has said: "Yeah, he's been phenomenal because that's been going on for a while and the fact that he's been able to perform and consistently commit to the team in that manner. He talks about how much he wants to play for us and how much he wants to win, and that's great to see.”

Possible return date: Sporting CP (A) - April 7.

Bukayo Saka

Saka is another being managed for the season-defining games, with Arteta offering a cryptic update before the trip to Southampton.

What Arteta has said: "You will see [who plays vs Southampton]. I continue the speculation so you can do it, and you can judge it afterwards. If what I said was right, or do I have to maybe change and delete and write something else?"

Possible return date: Sporting CP (A) - April 7.

Piero Hincapie

Hincapie played for Ecuador in the two-week domestic break but hobbled off during one of their games, with Arteta confirming he does indeed have an issue.

What Arteta has said: "Yes, it was [a serious injury]."

Possible return date: N/A.

Eberechi Eze

A calf problem kept Eze out of the Carabao Cup final and England duty, with Arteta unsure of when he could return.

What Arteta has said: "With Ebbs, I cannot put a finger there because I don't know because he's a special character now."

Possible return date: N/A.

Jurrien Timber

Timber has been recovering from injury for the last three weeks and looks to be closing in on a return.

What Arteta has said: "In contention to possibly be in the squad [vs Southampton]."

Possible return date: Sporting CP (A) - April 7.

Leandro Trossard

Trossard returned early from Belgium duty and was not in the squad against Southampton. He looks to have been managing a problem for some time.

Possible return date: Sporting CP (A) - April 7.

Mikel Merino

Merino has missed the last few months after undergoing foot surgery. He is recovering well and was spotted in a protective boot at Wembley with the aim of playing again this season.

Possible return date: May.