The Arsenal coach has clarified Saka and Ødegaard absences as the Gunners manage mounting injury concerns
Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard were unavailable for Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, with Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta confirming both players are dealing with minor fitness issues that require further assessment rather than immediate risk.
Neither the vice-captain nor the club captain were included in the matchday squad at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners went on to win 1-0 (4-2 on aggregate) to book their place in the EFL Cup final.
Saka’s absence followed a late scare ahead of the weekend’s 4-0 Premier League win over Leeds United, when the winger was forced out of the starting line-up after feeling discomfort during the warm-up.
The England international appeared to tweak a muscle shortly before kick-off at Elland Road. While Arteta initially avoided offering a detailed diagnosis after that match, he was ultimately not cleared to face Chelsea, prompting further explanation from the Arsenal manager.
Speaking before the semi-final, Arteta confirmed that more tests were required to establish the extent of the issue but stressed there was optimism it would not be a prolonged absence.
🔴 Mikel Merino’s father has revealed the true extent of the Arsenal midfielder’s injury.
🗣️ Miguel Merino explained that the injury is far from straightforward as it is “something more internal”. https://t.co/YfxYySAEaw #AFC #Arsenal #WorldCup2026
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 3, 2026
“He’s okay, we need to have more tests tomorrow to understand how he is. This game was too short, but let’s hope that it’s not too much [longer he’s out],” Arteta said.
Martin Ødegaard’s discomfort
Meanwhile, Ødegaard’s situation is slightly different. The Norway international came off the bench during the emphatic win over Leeds but picked up a knock in the closing stages of the match. Although he trained in the days that followed, he was unable to play without discomfort.
“During the [Leeds United] game, he felt a little niggle. We tried yesterday, he wasn’t comfortable, so let’s see if he’s hopefully available for the weekend,” Arteta noted.
The upcoming Premier League clash with Sunderland is now the immediate target for Ødegaard’s return, though no guarantees have been given as Arsenal continue to monitor his response.
Arsenal injury list grows as Merino setback casts long shadow
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s midfield options remain stretched by the continued absence of Mikel Merino. The Spain international is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering what Arteta has described as a “very rare” fracture to his right foot during the match against Manchester United.
The club later confirmed that Merino will require surgery and will be ruled out for an extended period, placing the remainder of his season in serious doubt.
That blow has added pressure on Arteta’s squad management as domestic and cup commitments intensify. Max Dowman is also unavailable due to an ankle issue, though that injury is expected to heal within a couple of weeks and is not considered long term.