Martin Odegaard close as Bukayo Saka nears Arsenal return, says Mikel Arteta | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Martin Odegaard is only days away from returning and Jurrien Timber is fine, while Bukayo Saka could be back soon. According to NY Times, Arteta outlined differing timelines before Sunderland.

Timber and captain Odegaard are seen as the likeliest to return. Timber missed Thursday training, and Odegaard skipped the midweek win over Chelsea with a muscular problem.

Saka was due to start the 4-0 win at Leeds United but withdrew after a hip issue in the warm-up. Arteta avoided specifics on this weekend, saying the problem has improved and he hopes to have him back soon.

In Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke has started the last two matches, scoring and assisting in the first half at Leeds. Gabriel Martinelli has finished recent games on the right when Madueke has needed a rest.

Teenager Max Dowman remains out with the ankle injury sustained in December and has not trained with the first team. Arteta said it will be a few weeks, though he is back on the grass.

Arsenal’s injury picture is brighter than earlier in the season, when they went stretches without six attackers. A five-day gap between Sunderland and Brentford will aid recovery.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said captain Granit Xhaka will miss the Emirates trip to face the club he represented for seven seasons. The 33-year-old has missed two games with an ankle injury.

Playing before Manchester City, Arsenal could go nine points clear before Pep Guardiola’s side visit Liverpool at Anfield.

Source: NY Times