Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury update as fresh blow confirmed

Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on the fitness of several Arsenal stars ahead of their Champions League encounter with Athletic Club. The Gunners will take on the La Liga outfit in their first league phase fixture of the competition this season.

Arsenal go into the game in the back of a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. However, Arteta will be forced to name a team to face Athletic Club with some players on the sidelines.

Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury during the win over Forest, while Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a muscle injury that has kept him out of the last two matches.

Ben White has also not travelled with the Arsenal squad while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also remain on the sidelines, reports football.london.

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Arteta spoke to reporters on Spain on Tuesday evening where he was asked about the availability of several members of his squad.

When asked if Odegaard was available to face Athletic Club, the Arsenal boss replied: "No", with Arteta also confirming that the club captain has remained at home in London.

"Gabby [Jesus], Kai [Havertz], Ben [White] and Martin [Odegaard] are still out, unfortunately," Arteta added.

Arteta as also asked if there was an update on Saka's fitness, before explaining how long he expects the England international to be on the sidelines.

"He still has quite a lot of things to go through, and it is very early to understand what week he is going to be available," he said.

"He will certainly be pushing to be available as quickly as possible.

"Unfortunately we have a few players already out and that means we are limited in certain positions."

Arsenal could welcome the return of William Saliba to the starting line-up for the clash against Athletic Club.

The defender has travelled with the squad to Spain after missing the win over Forest with an ankle injury he picked up before the international break.

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