Mikel Arteta poised to start "very different" Arsenal star vs Southampton after new injury
Arsenal take on Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s on Saturday night.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make in the attacking midfield department.
Kai Havertz started in the number 10 role against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, but was largely ineffective.
The German star missed a big chance early on and was barely involved thereafter until his substitution.
The former Chelsea man has looked rusty after his hamstring injury and could be dropped from the starting XI this weekend.
Manager Mikel Arteta has played Bukayo Saka as an attacking midfielder this season, with Noni Madueke on the right wing.
However, he may not have that option, with Madueke having sustained an injury on international duty with England.
Eberechi Eze is likewise out for the next few weeks with a calf issue, while Martin Odegaard has not played for some time.
The club captain has not featured since the north London derby on February 22 due to a knock sustained against Brentford.
Odegaard is anticipated to return following the international break but may need some time to build up his fitness once more.
Keeping this in mind, Arteta could unleash Max Dowman in the number 10 position against the Saints.
The 16-year-old made the second start of his breakout campaign in the 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round last month.
He was named Player of the Match and went on to produce another man of the match performance against Everton in the Premier League.
Dowman played a big part in creating Viktor Gyokeres’ opener before capping his performance with a fantastic solo goal of his own.
The youngster has not featured in the last two matches, but the manager could be tempted to play him from the off against the Saints.
Dowman, described as ‘very different‘ by Eze, has shown plenty of maturity at his age with his superb dribbling and quick movement.
A second-straight FA Cup start could be on the cards for Dowman if Arteta decides to drop Havertz on the back of his lacklustre League Cup final display.
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