Mikel Arteta has delivered an Arsenal injury update ahead of his side's must-win Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday evening
Mikel Arteta during an Arsenal game
Mikel Arteta has given an Arsenal injury update(Image: Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has provided an Arsenal injury update ahead of his side's crucial encounter against Fulham. The Gunners can establish a six-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City with a win, as Pep Guardiola's determined challengers aren't in action until Monday night when they face European hopefuls Everton away.
The disappointing news is that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber won't be available to face the Cottagers. Arteta said of the duo: "Kai and Jurrien will be out" while also confirming that he didn't think the club had sustained any new fitness concerns following their midweek Champions League semi-final stalemate at Atletico Madrid.
He added: "I think so. Let's see how everybody is tomorrow morning. We haven't been able to train much, so tomorrow we'll have the final update."
There's also uncertainty surrounding the availability of skipper Martin Odegaard, who was substituted in the second period at the Metropolitano.
When questioned if he'll be fit to feature this weekend, Arteta said: "Let's see."
The Norwegian has been troubled by a knee problem picked up in the 1-1 stalemate at Brentford in February over recent months.
He has suffered multiple periods on the treatment table but has returned to starting fixtures over the last few weeks as he attempts to help the Gunners secure silverware in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta's remarks appear to indicate it's far from certain he'll be fit to play against Marco Silva's outfit at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka made his second successive cameo from the bench in Spain, while Riccardo Calafiori also returned to the matchday squad after his recent knock.
Timber is thought to be edging closer to a return from his groin problem, though he has now been sidelined for more than seven weeks.
Havertz's groin issue is not believed to be as serious as first feared, and he could still feature before the end of Arsenal's season.
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