Mikel Arteta has issued a new update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal’s high-profile Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Odegaard missed Tuesday’s Champions League win against Athletic Club after suffering another shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The Arsenal captain landed awkwardly on his right shoulder, which he had already injured last month in a win over Leeds.
Saka has not played since that victory against Leeds on August 23 after suffering a hamstring injury.
The winger has been working hard to return for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium and Arteta said on Monday that he was “pushing to be available as quickly as possible”.
Ben White was also absent against Athletic Club and has struggled with injuries this season, despite being on the bench for the Forest win.
Asked on Friday if Odegaard, Saka and White could feature against City, Arteta said: “If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow’s sessions because they haven’t done anything yet. We will have more information tomorrow.
“Everything has been modified so far for them and there are still a few things to clear. Tomorrow we will have more information as to whether they are part of the squad or not.”
There had been concern for Arsenal duo Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres after the midweek win in Bilbao after they both suffered head injuries.
But Arteta stressed after the game that the pair were “all good” and he gave a further update on Friday, confirming: “They are fine. They will be available [to face City].”
Quizzed if William Saliba could start for Arsenal against City after being an unused substitute on Wednesday and not playing against Forest following an ankle injury, Arteta said: “Let’s see. Obviously he has been carrying an injury.
“He has done really well to be available for the last match. He is really pushing it, so we will decide tomorrow what is the best to start.”
