It is hoped William Saliba will be able to start Arsenal’s Champions League opener away to Athletic Club.
The 24-year-old missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, but the defender has travelled with the squad to Spain.
Arteta was not, however, able to provide a positive update on the fitness of either Ben White or Martin Odegaard, who didn’t train with the squad at London Colney on Monday.
“Gabby (Jesus), Kai (Havertz), Ben (White), and Martin (Odegaard) are still out, unfortunately,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference in Bilbao.
There was also bad news regarding Bukayo Saka, with Arteta saying he was still some way from being fit enough for selection as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
“I think he's still quite a lot of things to go through, very difficult to understand what week he is going to be available.”
Odegaard’s injury leaves Arteta with some decisions to make in midfield.
Against Forest, he opted to bring on Ethan Nwaneri as a like-for-like replacement for Odegaard.
However, with Declan Rice given a rest at the weekend, the England midfielder looks set to come back into the side.
With Saliba back fit, Cristhian Mosquera will likely drop out despite an impressive performance against Forest.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s new look frontline of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Eberechi Eze looks set to get another chance to impress, with Saka still missing.
The trio were crucial to helping Arsenal get back to winning ways against Forest and will relish the opportunity to make their mark in the Champions League.
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze
Injured: Odegaard, Saka, White, Havertz, Jesus
Time and date: 5:45pm BST on Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Venue: Estadio de San Mamés
How to watch: TNT Sports
