Arsenal Stars Return from Injury Just in Time for Champions League Kickoff

Arsenal have been handed a major injury advantage before their Champions League debut, as Athletic Club's star winger Nico Williams faces serious doubts for next week's clash against the North London side.

Mikel Arteta's team will resume Premier League duties this weekend following the September international window, welcoming Nottingham Forest—currently under the guidance of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou. The Gunners will then make their European comeback on Tuesday, September 16, traveling to Bilbao for their inaugural league phase encounter.

Arsenal, who secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Athletic Club at home during the pre-season period, will be determined to launch their campaign with three points, though they understand the difficulties that await at San Mamés. The Basque club suffered only two defeats at home in La Liga during the previous campaign and enjoy tremendous support from their passionate fanbase.

Nevertheless, Athletic may have to face Arsenal without their key winger Williams, who picked up an adductor problem during Spain's dominant 6–0 victory over Türkiye on Sunday. The 23-year-old had already provided an assist before being substituted in the 44th minute with what his club has classified as a "moderate" injury.

Williams attracted considerable attention from Barcelona during the summer transfer window before committing to a new extended deal with Athletic. He was also courted by Bayern Munich and has previously been mentioned as a potential Arsenal target.

The Euro 2024 champion, who has already found the net and created goals for Athletic this season in La Liga, would represent a massive loss for Ernesto Valverde's squad, although Arsenal are also dealing with several minor injury concerns affecting their own match preparations.

Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Nørgaard, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are all managing fitness issues of different degrees, though the international break may have provided the club's medical staff sufficient time to restore at least some players to full fitness.