Mikel Arteta has provided an Arsenal injury update ahead of his side's crucial Premier League encounter against Fulham on Saturday evening. The Gunners can establish a six-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City with a win, as Pep Guardiola's challengers are not in action until Monday night when they face European hopefuls Everton away.
Havertz and Timber Ruled Out
The disappointing news is that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber will not be available to face the Cottagers. Arteta said of the duo: "Kai and Jurrien will be out." He also confirmed that he does not think the club has sustained any new fitness concerns following their midweek Champions League semi-final stalemate at Atletico Madrid.
Arteta added: "I think so. Let's see how everybody is tomorrow morning. We haven't been able to train much, so tomorrow we'll have the final update."
Odegaard Doubtful
There is also uncertainty surrounding the availability of skipper Martin Odegaard, who was substituted in the second half at the Metropolitano. When asked if he would be fit to feature this weekend, Arteta said: "Let's see."
The Norwegian has been troubled by a knee problem picked up in the 1-1 draw at Brentford in February. He has suffered multiple spells on the treatment table but has returned to starting fixtures over the last few weeks as he aims to help the Gunners secure silverware in both the Premier League and Champions League. Arteta's remarks suggest it is far from certain he will play against Marco Silva's side at the Emirates Stadium.
Other Injury Updates
Bukayo Saka made his second successive cameo from the bench in Spain, while Riccardo Calafiori also returned to the matchday squad after his recent knock. Timber is thought to be edging closer to a return from his groin problem, though he has now been sidelined for more than seven weeks. Havertz's groin issue is not believed to be as serious as first feared, and he could still feature before the end of Arsenal's season.
