Mikel Arteta receives major Arsenal injury boost before Champions League showdown with Athletic Club
Arsenal take on Athletic Club in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Mikel Arteta overseeing an open training session on Monday as his side prepared for the clash.
Arteta has been given a major boost ahead of the European tie, with William Saliba back in full training. The defender had been forced off in the defeat to Liverpool before the international break with an ankle issue and sat out Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but his return raises hopes for Tuesday.
Christian Norgaard was also spotted on the pitch. The summer signing from Brentford is still waiting to make his debut but looks closer to contention after being left out of the matchday squad at the weekend.
The Gunners head back into Europe just days after Martin Zubimendi’s double and Viktor Gyokeres’ strike sealed a comfortable Premier League win, ensuring Ange Postecoglou’s return to the dugout ended in disappointment. Arteta, who guided Arsenal to the semi-finals last season, will be eager to push his team further this time around.
Notably, Martin Odegaard was absent from training. The captain came off with a shoulder injury against Forest, a setback Arteta revealed is similar to a problem he has already suffered this season. The Spaniard stressed it wasn’t serious enough to require surgery but admitted Arsenal’s medical staff need to reassess him before the Bilbao trip.
Arteta explained: “I don’t know if it’s exactly the same spot, but it’s a very similar injury. He wasn’t comfortable to continue. Hopefully in the next two days it improves, but we’ll see.”
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were also missing from the session. Saka is reportedly eyeing a comeback against Manchester City next weekend and could resume training later this week. Arteta is expected to provide further updates in his press conference on Monday evening.
As Arsenal chase the one trophy that continues to elude them, fans can expect plenty of build-up and coverage, including a special Champions League edition packed with team profiles, fixtures, and in-depth analysis ahead of the final in Budapest next may.
