Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is without Alexandre Lacazette for the trip to face Southampton in the Premier League today.
The Frenchman has tested positive for Covid-19 and misses out as a result. The striker had missed a few training sessions this week but Arteta in the build-up did not disclose why.
“Obviously they are private reasons that I cannot comment on,” said the Arsenal manager. “But I have no other team news to give apart from they guys that we have discussed.”
Arsenal are without Thomas Partey (thigh), who, along with Kieran Tierney (knee), is due to miss the rest of the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is still struggling with a calf issue and misses out on the squad again, while Arteta has opted to start Nuno Tavares at left-back, allowing Granit Xhaka to return to the midfield.
Eddie Nketiah starts up front, while Emile Smith Rowe has to settle for a place on the bench.
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Xhaka, Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah
Subs: Leno, Holding, Ogungbo, Swanson, Elneny, Azeez, Smith Rowe, Hutchinson, Pepe
When: Saturday, 3pm BST
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium
Referee: Peter Bankes
