Arsenal will take on Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Mikel Arteta has already had to deal with a number of injury issues so far this season, and this will continue to be a problem for the Arsenal boss heading into this fixture.
Martin Odegaard has been sidelined for some time, and the club captain’s absence was keenly felt during Saturday’s Premier League defeat. The Norwegian playmaker was missed as Arsenal lacked creativity against Bournemouth.
Bukayo Saka was also out of action for that fixture, having picked up a knock whilst on international duty with England, adding to the Gunners’ attacking woes.
It had been hoped that Saka would be fit to face the Cherries, but the 23-year-old was not able to prove his availability in time.
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Will Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka be fit for Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk?
Arteta will be desperate to have both players back at his disposal as soon as possible.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of his side’s encounter with the Ukrainian outfit, as shared by Hayters TV, the Spanish coach provided an update on Saka and Odegaard’s current injury status.
He said: “They are closer, and they’re both progressing really well. Martin is still not fit. With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and in the training session we have later.”
Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri ready to step up for Arsenal
From this it can be understood that Odegaard has no chance of involvement in this Champions League tie, and likely won’t feature against Liverpool when Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday either.
Meanwhile, the Gunners need to be cautious with Saka, and cannot risk exacerbating the Hale End academy graduate’s injury by rushing him back onto the pitch too quickly. Especially as it is vital that he is fit to face the Reds this weekend.
As such, Raheem Sterling could maintain his place in the starting XI, having briefly featured against Bournemouth last time out, before being hooked in the first half following William Saliba’s red card.
Arsenal fans weren’t impressed by Sterling and his efforts against the south coast outfit, and will expect a response from the Chelsea loanee if he gets the nod against Shakhtar Donetsk. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri will be desperate for an opportunity to start this game in Odegaard’s stead.
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