Mikel Arteta drops new Arsenal selection hint for FA Cup quarter-final clash after Wembley heartache | OneFootball

‘He is ready’ says Gunners boss amid huge dilemma for Southampton trip

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Kepa Arrizabalaga's error in Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat will have no bearing on his selection decisions moving forward.

The 31-year-old let a cross squirm through his hands to gift Nico O'Reilly the opener and City never looked like surrendering that lead.

Kepa has started in every round of the competition so far this term and Arteta was adamant that the Carabao Cup final mistake will not be held against him.

“Yeah, he is ready," Arteta said. "I'm never going to judge a player or make a decision because he's made an error. Attitude, behaviour, yes 100 per cent.

"An error is part of football and anybody can do it. The same as Kepa took you to that final because of the penalties. Same player.”

Asked whether Kepa has needed a shoulder to lean on to get over that performance, Arteta responded: “I don't know if he needed it, but he had it.

"Just in case. But from all of them. From his team-mates first, then myself, all the staff, and hopefully all our supporters.

"I don't think he needs it because he's got so much experience and he's been through all kinds of different scenarios in his career, so he's more than ready to play.”

Arsenal take on Championship side Southampton for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals, which would secure a quick return to Wembley.

Kepa is expected to keep his place and start at St Mary's, though Arteta was typically evasive when pressed to confirm whether that would indeed be the case.

"I think tomorrow the goalkeeper is going to be European, he’s under 32, right-footed and speaks at least two languages," Arteta joked on Friday.