Mikel Arteta has offered a cautious yet optimistic update on the fitness status of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber, as Arsenal prepare to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Saka, Odegaard, and Timber’s Injury Status
All three players missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Saka nursing a slight hamstring injury picked up during international duty with England.
Odegaard has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury with Norway last month, while Timber has missed the last two games due to a muscular injury sustained during Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
Also See: Arsenal vs Bournemouth Predicted Lineup: Bukayo Saka Injury Update & Team News
Arteta’s Update
Speaking on Monday, Arteta provided the latest on the trio’s fitness status.
“They are closer. They are both progressing really well,” he said regarding Saka and Odegaard.
However, he cautioned that “Martin is still not fit. Let’s see how Bukayo is after the training session later on.”
Regarding Timber, Arteta added, “He’s going to be close. We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group. It was a muscular injury.”
Arsenal’s Quick Turnaround
Following Saturday’s defeat, Arsenal’s focus shifts to European football.
Arteta believes the quick turnaround will benefit his side, allowing them to bounce back immediately.
“We have to start tomorrow,” he emphasized.
“The desire is there. We are desperate to play this kind of match.”
The Gunners have four points from their opening two Champions League games and will seek to build momentum against Shakhtar Donetsk.
A win would boost their confidence ahead of next weekend’s high-stakes clash with Liverpool.
