Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a selection headache ahead of their clash with Burnley tomorrow, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard uncertain to feature.
Saka hobbled off during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday and is a doubt for the upcoming game.
Odegaard has been absent from the squad since the 3-1 loss to West Ham United. He is now in contention to play but faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
“We have a few still in contention,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
“We need to give them twenty-four more hours to give them a chance to be in the game, but we won’t know anything until tomorrow. We want our players to play for their club and national teams.”
The manager shed light on Saka and Odegaard’s condition, saying: “‘B’ had to leave the pitch because he was in quite a lot of pain. He didn’t train yesterday and let us see if he can make it tomorrow.
“Odegaard is still racing. He’s trying everything he can. Let’s see. It’s a possibility.”
The injury concerns extend beyond Saka and Odegaard to Takehiro Tomiyasu, who came off at half-time against Sevilla.
Eddie Nketiah was absent from the same fixture due to injury. Gabriel Jesus has been missing since last month’s Champions League victory over Sevilla.
Arsenal will also be without Thomas Partey for an extended period following a thigh injury that required surgery.
Emile Smith Rowe remains sidelined with a knee injury. Arteta confirmed earlier this month that the young midfielder would be out ‘for weeks’.
Arteta must navigate the injury challenges to secure a positive result against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium as they look to bounce back from the loss to Newcastle United and stay in the title race.
