Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that five first-team players will miss the club’s UEFA Champions League opener against Athletic Club in Bilbao on Tuesday night.
The Gunners begin their European campaign at San Mames with optimism after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but Arteta stressed that injuries could again play a decisive role in their quest for continental success.
“Like the rest of the teams, they have done the same and they have won it on many occasions,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
READ MORE: David Raya outlines Arsenal ambitions ahead of Champions League opener
“We know it’s going to be a really long journey. You have to give yourself the best chance to win the game. You need a full squad available, and you have to put the ball in the net when the chances come your way.”
William Saliba is set to return after recovering from an ankle injury, having declared himself ready to play following his absence against Forest. However, captain Martin Odegaard (shoulder), Ben White (knock), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) are all unavailable. Bukayo Saka also remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, with Arteta unwilling to give a clear timeframe on his return.
Arsenal stars Saka, Odegaard and Havertz
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are among the injured Arsenal players ruled out of the Athletic Bilbao clash (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Gabby, Kai, Ben, and Martin are still out, unfortunately,” the Spaniard confirmed. “With Bukayo, it’s still difficult to understand what week he is going to be available.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Odegaard’s absence is a particular blow, with the Norwegian midfielder forced off in the first half against Forest and subsequently missing training on Monday. New signing Christian Norgaard is in contention to make his competitive debut in Spain.
Arteta praised the performance of summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed in Saliba’s absence. “You’ve just seen what he did at Anfield and against Forest. It’s very hard to push him out, he wants it a lot and is so willing to learn. He’s got great qualities that fit well in any defensive setup.”
Arsenal, who fell at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain last season, are seeking a deeper run this time around as they chase a first-ever Champions League crown.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal suffer another huge injury blow