Match Coverage

Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino update as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta delivers strong nine-word message

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have already had to contend with plenty of injuries this season.

Arsenal will still be without certain players when they take on PSG in a Champions League clash tomorrow evening. 

Mikel Arteta has had to use his squad smartly to deal with the injuries that have hit the Gunners this season. 

The likes of Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, amongst others have been sidelined at times. 

Arteta has lost sleep due to the injury crisis, but his side have managed to keep results on the pitch positive. Even without Odegaard to call upon on Saturday, the North London outfit were still able to deliver a devastating attacking performance against Leicester City.

Arteta has provided an update on White and Calafiori, who may be in contention to feature against PSG. However, there are other players that Arsenal fans will be keen to see back in action soon.

Spain v Norway: Group A - UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta speaks out on injuries as Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino work on recovery

Merino has now returned to light training. However, neither he nor Odegaard will be fit in time to play any part against PSG.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of this continental fixture, as shared by HaytersTV, Arteta said: “No big news. Especially returning, not expecting anything back.”

From this Arsenal fans must also accept that Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu will remain sidelined for this fixture.

How Arsenal will cope against PSG

Arteta will be desperately hoping that Calafiori will be fit to start against PSG, whilst Jurrien Timber can continue starting at right-back if White still needs more time to reach full fitness.

The Gunners face a huge test up against the French giants. However, PSG face selection issues of their own. 

On top of that, Arsenal will have the home advantage in this encounter. There is sure to be a passionate, fiery atmosphere in the Emirates Stadium, which will give Arteta’s players a welcome boost of energy.

Arteta will believe that his side can seriously compete into the latter stages of the Champions League this season, and will want his team to make a statement with an impressive showing against the reigning Ligue 1 champions.