Mikel Arteta press conference injury update as Arsenal assess Timber, Havertz and Ødegaard ahead of Fulham clash
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, with little margin for error in the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table by four points, although Manchester City still have a game in hand and continue to apply pressure heading into the final stretch.
Having drawn 1-1 away to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, and the return leg looming on Tuesday, Arteta will look to manage his squad to remain competitive on both fronts, particularly with a number of players carrying knocks.
Arteta keeps cards close to his chest on availability
Arteta admitted that he is still assessing his squad following the midweek trip to Spain.
“Let’s see how everybody is tomorrow [Saturday] morning. Obviously, we haven’t been able to train much, so tomorrow we will have a final update,” he said.
Arsenal have already had to cope with several injury setbacks in recent weeks, particularly in attacking areas, but have largely maintained their consistency at home.
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However, there are some clear absentees for the visit of Fulham.
On Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arteta confirmed: “Kai and Jurrien will be out.”
He also underlined the importance of the German forward, adding: “He’s been a huge miss. We are talking about one of the most important attacking players that we have and he’s not been the only one. The team has shown an incredible capacity to respond without him.”
There is also uncertainty surrounding Martin Ødegaard after his substitution in Madrid.
“We’ll see,” Arteta said when asked about the captain’s availability.
With the title race finely poised and a European semi-final second leg just days away, Arteta faces a delicate balancing act at the Emirates on Saturday.
