Arsenal Starting XI vs Athletic Bilbao: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal face Athletic Club test as injuries shape Champions League opener

Selection dilemmas for Arteta

Arsenal arrive in Bilbao with a Champions League return overshadowed by fitness concerns. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba is set to feature after missing the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The centre-back resumed training and travelled with the squad, offering much-needed stability in defence.

However, the news elsewhere is far less encouraging. Arteta admitted: “Gabby (Jesus), Kai (Havertz), Ben and Martin are still out, unfortunately.” Both Ben White and Martin Ødegaard failed to train at London Colney and will not play against Athletic.

Saka setback adds to concerns

Perhaps most damaging is the continued absence of Bukayo Saka. The winger, central to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Arteta was cautious in his update, saying: “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.”

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In Saka’s absence, the frontline is expected to feature Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze, a trio that impressed against Forest. They will need to replicate that sharpness against Athletic, whose intensity at San Mamés is renowned.

Midfield balance without Ødegaard

Ødegaard’s absence forces Arteta into reshaping midfield options. Against Forest, youngster Ethan Nwaneri was used as cover, but the expectation is that Declan Rice, rested at the weekend, will return to the engine room. Alongside him, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino could offer control and rhythm in possession, though neither carries Ødegaard’s creative spark.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Athletic Club

Arsenal’s projected line-up highlights both opportunity and vulnerability. With Saliba back, Cristhian Mosquera is likely to drop out despite a strong showing last time out. The back line will need to be sharp against Athletic’s dynamic attackers, who thrive in home European nights.

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

Kick-off: 5:45pm BST, Tuesday 16 September 2025