Mikel Arteta reveals new triple Arsenal injury update for key Fulham clash in title race | OneFootball

Gunners hope captain Martin Odegaard will be available as they look to move six points clear of Manchester City

The influential Gunners captain’s season so far has been hampered by injury, first by a shoulder problem and more recently by knee issues.

Odegaard has returned to start the last three matches but came off early in the second half against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg in midweek due to more knee discomfort.

Kai Havertz has been ruled out of this weekend's match, when Arsenal will have the chance to go six points clear of title rivals Manchester City, who do not travel to Everton until Monday night.

The German has also had injury problems this season, missing the first half of the campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

Havertz was back and set to hand Arsenal a big boost for the run-in. However, he was forced off in the first half of the win over Newcastle last weekend.

Setback: Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard suffered more knee discomfort against Atletico Madrid

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That muscular injury is not believed to be a serious one but Fulham's visit comes too soon for the forward.

Arteta did, though, suggest that Havertz could be in contention to face Atletico in the second leg on Tuesday night.

“Kai is desperate to be on the pitch as quickly as possible,” Arteta said.

Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber would play no part on Saturday evening.

The Dutchman has been on the sidelines since the win over Everton in March and his recovery has proved frustratingly slow for Arsenal.

Arteta said in midweek that Timber was back "doing some stuff" on the grass and in a fresh update on Friday confirmed that the player was still unavailable.