Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard on Tuesday evening when they beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach the Carabao Cup final
13:58, 06 Feb 2026Updated 14:04, 06 Feb 2026
Odegaard and Saka
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta has issued a positive update on the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka
Mikel Arteta has issued a positive update on instrumental duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Sunderland.
The Gunners, who currently sit top of the table, can extend their lead over second-place Manchester City to nine points with victory as Pep Guardiola's side gear up for their trip to Liverpool.
While Saka and Odegaard missed Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, Arteta hopes they'll be back very soon.
He explained when quizzed on the availability of Saka "His hip is much better and hopefully very soon he will be with us."
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Arteta also added on Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber, who did not train on Thursday at London Colney: "Martin will be a matter of days and Jurrien is fine."
The Norwegian appears to be facing a race against the clock to prove his fitness in time to face the Black Cats, though next week's midweek trip to Brentford shouldn't be an issue.
There was also good news on 16-year-old gem Max Dowman, who has been sidelined since early December with an ankle injury sustained in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.
Arteta said of the teenage attacker: "Max hasn't trained with us yet but it will be a few weeks, he's getting better."
Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss refused to be drawn on warm-up gate and whether Liam Rosenior was right to claim the Gunners had disrespected Chelsea.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on Liam Rosenior's comments(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
When quizzed on Rosenior's latest comments, Arteta replied: "I don't know, it's his opinion and we respect everybody. When a staff member does that we apologise. With the keepers they need to kick long balls."
The Blues head coach did not hold back at Cobham as he outlined his stance on the contentious topic. He said: “It wasn’t the [Arsenal] players,” the 41-year-old said. “I’m respectful. When you warm up, you have your half, the other team have their half.
"I’ve never asked my team or my coaches to encroach on the opposition’s territory. In that moment, I didn’t think it was right where they were operating.
“They were affecting my lads’ warm-up and my staff’s warm-up. So I asked them, maybe not politely, to make sure they stay in their half. I’m not here to have mind games. It’s just what I think is right and respectful. Hopefully, we respect that and other teams do too.
Article continues below
“There are certain etiquettes in football. I always try to be as respectful as possible. I always want to win. I’ve never asked my coaches. I don’t have an issue with anyone at Arsenal Football Club. A fantastic manager, Mikel Arteta, I’ve got so much respect for. It was just in that moment, I didn’t think that respect was shown to my team.”
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts