Arsenal's Injury Crisis Eases Ahead of Bayern Munich Showdown
Mikel Arteta has received a significant double injury boost ahead of Arsenal's crucial Champions League encounter with German champions Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The Gunners' lengthy injury list, which at times has included up to eight first-team players, is finally showing signs of improvement at a critical moment in their European campaign.
Key Players Return to Full Training
Captain Martin Odegaard and striker Gabriel Jesus were both spotted participating in full training sessions this week, putting them in contention for selection against the Bundesliga giants. Their return comes as a timely relief for Arteta, who has seen his squad depth tested throughout the season with absences including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Odegaard himself.
The North London Derby victory over Tottenham already saw three players make successful comebacks - Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli - signalling the beginning of the injury crisis easing. However, the potential availability of both Odegaard and Jesus represents an even greater boost for a fixture where Arsenal historically struggles.
Fitness Concerns Remain Despite Positive Signs
While both players have returned to training, Arteta faces decisions about how quickly to reintroduce them to competitive action. Odegaard has endured a stop-start season plagued by various injuries, including two shoulder problems and a more recent knee issue sustained in early October.
Regarding Jesus, who suffered an ACL injury during an FA Cup match against Manchester United earlier this year, Arteta told reporters: "He's quite close to be fair. And it's earlier than we expected, in the next few days he's going to have another step to make, with a game that we're going to organise for him."
The manager added about the Brazilian forward: "After that, he's just going to be knocking on the door, because he's Gabriel, a winner, that's how it's happened."
Remaining Injury Concerns for Gunners
Despite the positive news, Arsenal still face concerns with three principal players remaining on the treatment table. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes is sidelined with a thigh problem, while Kai Havertz and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres continue their rehabilitation.
Arteta provided an update on the latter pair: "Really good, both of them. In the next few days, they're going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend."
Arsenal's last victory against Bayern Munich dates back to October 2015, but under Arteta's guidance, the club has transformed into genuine Champions League contenders after reaching the semi-finals last season. With key players returning from injury, the Gunners will be hoping to overcome their historical struggles against the German champions and take another step toward European glory.
