Arsenal could be without up to six players for their Champions League clash against Athletic Club on Tuesday.
The Gunners will begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on Tuesday night, hoping to get the competition off to a good start.
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They come off a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and would like to keep that momentum going ahead of their next Premier League clash against rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
But who could they have against Bilbao, and who could be missing because of injury problems?
Athletic Bilbao injury news
Bilbao could be without four players on Tuesday night, one of which is world-class star, and formerly linked with Arsenal star, Nico Williams. The Spanish international has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game as he is dealing with a muscle issue.
Furthermore, midfielder Benat Prados is also set to miss the game, as he has been ruled out with a knee injury that he suffered at the start of the season.
Experienced right-back Inigo Lekue will also miss the game against Arsenal, as he is dealing with a hamstring injury, which will see him out until later in September. Finally, Bilbao are also missing centre-back Unai Eguluz, who is dealing with a long-term ACL injury.
Bilbao players ruled out: Williams, Prados, Lekue, Egiluz
Bilbao players in doubt: N/a
Arsenal injury news
Arsenal could be without six players on Tuesday, with the long-term absentees being Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz. Jesus is still recovering from his ACL injury, whereas Havertz has another knee issue. Both are looking at a return in November.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has also been ruled out of the Champions League match, as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. Mikel Arteta said last week: “Bukayo is out, still out, and he’s trying to get back as quick as possible, but we need to respect that process. He’s evolving really well, with very specific work at the moment, and the moment we increase that load, let’s see how he reacts.”
Christian Norgaard is a doubt for Tuesday night as he continues to recover from the minor injury that kept him out of Arteta’s squad against Forest.
William Saliba has made quick progress with his ankle injury, and he is expected to be available for Arteta on Tuesday. The defender is currently being assessed ahead of the game.
Finally, Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury in the Forest game which saw him come off after 18 minutes for Ethan Nwaneri. After the game, Arteta said: “He wasn’t comfortable continuing. He’s played two games with Norway; unfortunately, he cannot carry on. So, we have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday. No, I don’t think [he needs surgery].”
Arsenal players ruled out: Jesus, Havertz, Saka
Arsenal players in doubt: Norgaard, Saliba, Odegaard