Six Arsenal stars pulled from international duty, injury latest and expected return dates

Arsenal are not in action again until April 4, when they face Southampton on the south coast in the FA Cup quarter‑finals, giving players valuable time to recover from injuries

Arsenal are managing several injury concerns during this month's international break, with multiple players withdrawing from their respective national squads. Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba have all pulled out of international duty, while Martin Odegaard was left out of the Norway squad as he continues to recover from an ongoing injury issue.

Arsenal will hope that the 10‑day break before their FA Cup clash with Southampton is enough time for several players to return to full fitness.

With crucial weeks ahead in the Premier League title race, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to have as close to a full squad as possible. All of the affected players will remain at the club during the international break to continue their treatment.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest injury updates on the players who have withdrawn from international duty.

Eberechi Eze

Injury: Calf

Eze was forced to withdraw from the England fold due to a calf issue sustained in the Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month.

What Arteta has said: "We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait to see the results," the Spaniard said after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Potential return date: April 2026.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Injury: Knee

The defender, who played all 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup defeat at Wembley, complained of pain in his right knee following the match.

A statement from the Brazil national team read: "Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is out of the friendlies against France and Croatia.

"After the game this Sunday (22) against Manchester City, for the final of the English League Cup, the athlete complained of pain in his right knee.

"Imaging tests have confirmed that Gabriel is not fit to play in the matches during this FIFA international break - no other player will be called up to replace him."

Potential return date: April 2026.

Jurrien Timber

Injury: Ankle

Timber limped off during the first half against Everton last weekend, was absent from the matchday squad on Sunday at Wembley.

A statement from the Dutch FA read: "Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has been added to the Netherlands national team squad by national coach Ronald Koeman.

"This follows the withdrawal of Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), who has not yet sufficiently recovered from an injury and is therefore unavailable for this international break."

Potential return date: April 2026.

Leandro Trossard

Injury: Hip

The decision for him not to join up with Belgium was made in consultation with Arsenal and focused on managing his fitness following the hip issue he picked up at Mansfield.

Potential return date: April 2026.

William Saliba

Injury: Ankle

Saliba played the full match on Sunday, but shortly after the game France confirmed he would not be joining the squad due to an ankle injury. He has been replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.

The French Football Federation said, confirming an injury timeline: "William Saliba is unable to join the French national team's training camp, which begins this Monday, March 23.

"The Arsenal centre-back is suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring treatment and a minimum rest period of ten days."

Potential return date: April 2026.

Martin Odegaard

Injury: Knee

Manager Stale Solbakken said Odegaard's absence was purely precautionary, with the aim of ensuring he is in peak condition for this summer’s World Cup.

What Solbakken has said: "The most important thing is that he is as well prepared as possible for this summer. And then it would be idiotic to push through something we don't think is wise just because he will be present. We'll see if he shows up, but it's not something we're pushing through at all."

Potential return date: April/May 2026.