Arsenal have faced significant injury challenges since the start of the season, with several key players sidelined.
On Monday morning, Mikel Arteta gave an important update on the fitness of three crucial members of his squad: Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners have been navigating a series of injuries since the campaign began, leaving Arteta and his staff working tirelessly to assess the status of these players ahead of crucial fixtures.
Speaking to the media before the training session on Monday morning, Arteta said: “[Saka and Odegaard] are closer.
“They are both progressing really well. Martin is still not fit.
“Let’s see how Bukayo is after the training session later on.”
When questioned about Timber’s availability for the clash against Shakhtar, the Spaniard said: “He’s going to be close.
“We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group.
“It was a muscular injury.”
Mikel Arteta indicated that he would assess the fitness levels of both Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber during Monday morning’s training session.
However, Sam Dean of The Telegraph reported that the Arsenal duo did not participate in the squad training.
It’s possible they trained individually instead.
As a result, it seems likely that Saka and Timber may miss Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
On Shakhtar Donetsk tie at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta said: “Obviously a lot of sympathy for the situation that they’re in.
“Obviously, how can I imagine, especially speaking to Alex, how it affects the situation on yourself, the whole country, your families and the environment?
“The incredible attitude they’re having towards the situation and the things that they have to put in place to continue to be able to play football matches at this level and compete in the way they do, it’s remarkable and we’ll welcome them here tomorrow in the best possible way.”
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