Arsenal XI vs Athletic Club: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today

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Evening Standard

·16 de septiembre de 2025

Arsenal XI vs Athletic Club: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today

Gunners dealing with several fitness problems ahead of Champions League opener in Bilbao

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal should have William Saliba back for tonight’s Champions League curtain-raiser against Athletic Club in Bilbao.

The centre-back missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend despite returning to training earlier than expected following an ankle injury, but trained again on Monday and has travelled with the squad to the Basque Country.

Manager Mikel Arteta was not able to provide a positive update on the fitness of either Ben White or Martin Odegaard, who didn’t train with the squad at London Colney on Monday and won’t feature in Bilbao.

“Gabby (Jesus), Kai (Havertz), Ben and Martin are still out, unfortunately,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.

There was also bad news regarding Bukayo Saka, with Arteta saying he was still some way from being fit enough for selection as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

“I think he's still quite a lot of things to go through, very difficult to understand what week he is going to be available,” Arteta said.

Odegaard’s injury leaves Arteta with some decisions to make in midfield. Against Forest, he opted to bring on Ethan Nwaneri as a like-for-like replacement in midfield.

However, with Declan Rice given a rest at the weekend, the England midfielder looks set to come back into the side.

With Saliba back fit, Cristhian Mosquera will likely drop out despite an impressive performance against Forest.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s new look frontline of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze looks set to get another chance to impress, with Saka still missing.

The trio were crucial to helping Arsenal get back to winning ways against Forest and will relish the opportunity to make their mark in the Champions League.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

Injured: Odegaard, Saka, White, Havertz, Jesus

Doubt: Norgaard

Time and date: 5:45pm BST on Tuesday September 16, 2025

Venue: Estadio de San Mames. Bilbao

How to watch: TNT Sports 1