Arsenal Stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard Ruled Out Against Sunderland - Here's Why
Arsenal maintain their pursuit of the Premier League crown with a deceptively difficult encounter this Saturday afternoon.
At the season's outset, a home match against Sunderland seemed among the most straightforward fixtures, yet the Black Cats' remarkable rise has been genuinely impressive. The 2–2 stalemate at the Stadium of Light in the earlier meeting exemplifies how the Wearsiders have surpassed all predictions this campaign, sitting comfortably in eighth position and nearer to top-placed Arsenal than bottom-dwelling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks, Arsenal cannot permit any trace of overconfidence in what promises to be a demanding encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta requires a dominant display from his squad.
Nevertheless, the Spanish manager will most likely be missing two crucial stars on Saturday: Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. The inventiveness they bring will be tough to substitute against a stubborn Sunderland outfit.
Here's the most recent fitness update on the Arsenal duo.
Why Won't Saka, Ødegaard Face Sunderland?
Why Won't Saka, Ødegaard Face Sunderland?
Both Saka and Ødegaard have been absent from recent Arsenal fixtures. The winger sustained a hip problem during pre-match preparations for the 4–0 triumph over Leeds United last weekend, consequently missing the midweek success against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Ødegaard came off the substitutes' bench last Saturday in the victory at Elland Road but was an unexpected absentee on Tuesday versus Chelsea. The Arsenal skipper was dealing with a minor muscular complaint and couldn't participate in the semi-final.
Arteta has provided encouraging news about both players during his pre-match media briefing ahead of Sunderland's arrival but has suggested they will miss the fixture.
"His hip is improving significantly. Hopefully in the very near future he will rejoin us; very soon," Arteta disclosed about Saka, who has not yet resumed training with the Gunners.
"Martin is also progressing well, it will be a question of days we expect," Arteta continued, declining to provide a specific timeline. With the Norwegian also not back in training, he seems doubtful to appear against the Black Cats.
Arsenal return to action on Thursday for an unusual midweek league round. The Gunners will be hoping to welcome back Saka and Ødegaard for the journey to Brentford.
Arsenal Latest Injury News
Arsenal Latest Injury News
Arteta also provided news on Jurriën Timber during his pre-match media session, confirming the Dutchman is available to face Sunderland. After starting against Chelsea in midweek, the full-back was then missing from Thursday's training session, raising concerns about his fitness.
Mikel Merino will definitely be unavailable, though, with the Spaniard having recently had surgery on his foot. Arteta revealed that the midfielder will be out for four months with a "very uncommon injury" picked up against Manchester United.
Max Dowman is moving closer to a comeback but remains out with an ankle problem.