Three Arsenal concerns ahead of Atalanta Champions League visit | OneFootball

Atalanta are set to host Arsenal on Thursday night in their first Champions League fixture of the 2024-25 campaign, but Mikel Arteta’s side will have to do without a handful of star players for the midweek trip to Bergamo.

Three Arsenal injury concerns

The Gunners will be without their captain and one of their star midfielders Martin Odegaard, who picked up an ankle injury while away with Norway during the most recent international break.

England international Bukayo Saka hobbled off towards the end of the North London derby against Tottenham in the Premier League at the weekend, but returned to group training on Wednesday. He should be in the squad, but it remains to be seen whether Arteta calls upon him as a starter.

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is still going in search of his first Arsenal start following his summer move from Bologna. He is also back in training following the injury he picked up against France during the break, but both Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior are expected to start ahead of him against Atalanta.

La Dea have a fair few injuries of their own to contend with. Gianluca Scamacca and Girogio Scalvini both remain out long-term with cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The latter is closer to a return than the former West Ham striker, but neither are expected to return be back the end of the calendar year.

Club captain Rafael Toloi and former Everton defender Ben Godfrey are both expected to be unavailable for Thursday night’s game.

Kick-off is set for 20.00 BST.