Arsenal Depleted By Injuries Ahead Of Champions League Opener Against Athletic Bilbao
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Arsenal will be without at least five key players when they begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night.
Manager Mikel Arteta stressed the importance of having a fully fit squad if the Gunners are to mount a serious challenge for the trophy this season. Last year, Arsenal reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz hampering their chances.
“Like the rest of the top teams, you need two things to go your way: a full squad available and the ability to take your chances when they come,” Arteta told reporters in his pre-match press conference. “We are good enough to compete with any opposition on the day, but to win the Champions League, everything has to align.”
Saliba Returns, Odegaard and Saka Sidelined
William Saliba is set to return to the squad after recovering from an ankle problem. The 24-year-old centre-back resumed training last Friday but opted out of the league clash against Nottingham Forest, admitting he wasn’t fully ready. He will now travel with the team to Spain.
Captain Martin Odegaard, however, is ruled out after injuring his shoulder against Forest. New signing Christian Norgaard could make his competitive debut in midfield in the Norwegian’s absence.
Bukayo Saka, who continues to nurse a hamstring injury, also remains sidelined. Arteta admitted uncertainty over the winger’s recovery timeline:
“I think he still has a lot to go through. It’s very difficult to say which week he will be back.”
Additional Absentees
Ben White has not featured since Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United and will miss the trip to Bilbao due to a minor issue. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remain unavailable as they continue their rehabilitation.
“Gabby, Kai, Ben, and Martin are still out, unfortunately,” Arteta confirmed.
Squad Depth and Young Talent
Despite the setbacks, Arteta praised the depth of his squad, particularly young defender Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed against Forest in Saliba’s absence.
“You saw today what he did at Anfield—he’s very difficult to push aside,” Arteta said of the youngster. “This kid wants it a lot, he’s so eager to learn. He already has qualities that fit very well into different defensive positions depending on the connections and style of play. We’ll see how he develops.”
Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde, who branded Arteta “one of the best managers in the world,” will be hoping his side can exploit Arsenal’s injury troubles in what promises to be a fierce opening-night clash in Spain.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
