Mikel Arteta's Arsenal host Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in Saturday's 3pm kick-off in the Premier League, and the manager has provided an update on some injury issues
15:32, 06 Feb 2026
Bukayo Saka during the Arsenal training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
View 2 Images
Bukayo Saka has missed the last two Arsenal games through injury. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has provided the latest details on injuries within his Arsenal squad ahead of their crunch Premier League clash against Sunderland. The Gunners host the Black Cats at the Emirates Stadium in the 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Arsenal go into the match on a high, having booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a midweek victory over Chelsea. But eyes now turn back to the Premier League.
The Gunners sit top of the table, six points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City. A win over Sunderland will see them extend their lead ahead of City’s clash against Liverpool just over 24 hours later.
Ahead of the game against Regis Le Bris’ team, Arteta has given an update on some key players who have been on the injury list.
With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at the latest from the treatment room at the training ground.
Bukayo Saka
Saka has been out of action since suffering an injury in the warm-up before the Premier League victory over Leeds United. The problem has seen him miss the clash at Elland Road, as well as the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
Injury: Hip
What Arteta has said: "His hip is much better and hopefully very soon he will be with us."
Potential return date: Vs Wigan (H) - Sun 15 Feb
Martin Odegaard
The midfielder missed the win over Chelsea on Tuesday night with a minor injury.
Injury: Unknown
What Arteta has said: “Martin will be a matter of days.”
Potential return date: vs Brentford (A) - Thurs 12 Feb
Martin Odegaard during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal.
View 2 Images
An injury update has been given on Martin Odegaard. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Jurrien Timber
The full-back did not take part in Thursday’s training session at London Colney.
Injury: Unknown
What Arteta has said: “Jurrien is fine.”
Potential return date: Vs Sunderland (H) - Sat 7 Feb
Mikel Merino
The midfielder is a longer-term absentee after undergoing surgery on a foot injury sustained in the defeat against Man United.
Injury: Foot
What Arteta has said: “Obviously, he needs to go through a procedure, which is never always positive.
“He's a big player for us. An athlete that has such versatility and capacity to compete in various positions. Yeah, that's a big blow.”
Potential return date: May
Max Dowman
The teenager is currently out with an ankle injury.
Injury: Ankle
What Arteta has said: "Max hasn't trained with us yet but it will be a few weeks, he's getting better."
Article continues below
Potential return date: Late February / March
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