Mikel Arteta delivers massive Odegaard, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Arsenal UCL opener

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has provided a detailed assessment of the fitness of three key players—Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka—following the team’s convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The update comes at a critical juncture, just days before the Gunners’ Champions League campaign kicks off against Athletic Club in Bilbao on Tuesday evening. With a packed schedule that includes a high-stakes Premier League clash against Manchester City the following weekend, Arteta’s words offer a mix of cautious optimism and lingering uncertainty for supporters eager to see their star performers back in action.

The match against Nottingham Forest, played at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, highlighted both Arsenal’s squad depth and the vulnerabilities posed by an injury list that has plagued the early stages of the season. Goals from Martin Zubimendi, who netted twice with clinical volleys, and Viktor Gyokeres sealed a comfortable win, but the afternoon was overshadowed by the sight of captain Martin Odegaard limping off the pitch in the 18th minute. Odegaard, who had only recently returned from an initial shoulder issue sustained in the 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United three weeks prior, collided awkwardly with teammate Jurrien Timber during a challenge involving Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. The Norwegian international landed heavily on his right shoulder—the same one that had forced him to the bench for the subsequent trip to Liverpool—prompting immediate concern among the home crowd.

Arteta, speaking in his post-match press conference, downplayed the severity while acknowledging the frustration for his talismanic midfielder. “He’ll need further tests on the shoulder, but it’s not something that requires surgery,” the Spaniard explained. “The medical staff aren’t overly worried, and last time he managed the pain within a few days. Today, though, I don’t know the full extent yet.” Odegaard’s premature exit adds to a stop-start campaign for the 26-year-old, who missed two months last season with an ankle problem and had only just shaken off the Leeds knock to feature for Norway during the international break. Despite his insistence in matchday notes that the shoulder was “fully recovered,” this recurrence threatens to sideline him for the Basque Country trip. Arteta remained non-committal on his availability, stating simply that a decision would follow the upcoming assessments. Arsenal’s depth in midfield, bolstered by summer arrivals like Eberechi Eze—who made his first start against Forest—and Mikel Merino, has allowed the team to cope, but Odegaard’s creativity remains irreplaceable in big European nights.

Equally encouraging was the news on William Saliba, Arsenal’s towering center-back whose absence has been felt keenly since an ankle injury ruled him out of the 1-0 defeat at Anfield before the international window. The Frenchman, a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defensive resurgence under Arteta, trained fully on Friday but was rested for the Forest game to manage his recovery. “He did the whole session yesterday and felt okay,” Arteta revealed. “I spoke to him afterward, and he said he thinks he needs a few more days—the turnaround has been too quick for the injury’s extent. When a player tells you that, you don’t push it.” In Saliba’s place, 22-year-old Cristhian Mosquera stepped up admirably, partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in a backline that kept a clean sheet against a Forest side known for its resilience. Arteta praised the young defender’s composure, calling him “very, very good” and hinting at a rotation policy that could see Saliba return for the Champions League opener. The 24-year-old’s presence would be a massive boost against Athletic Club, where aerial duels and set-piece defending could prove decisive.

Less positive tidings came regarding Bukayo Saka, the England winger whose hamstring strain from the Leeds victory has kept him sidelined through the international period. Saka, Arsenal’s player of the season for multiple campaigns running, was absent from the Forest lineup and remains some way from full fitness. “Bukayo’s still out and trying to get back as quickly as possible, but we have to respect the process,” Arteta said. “He’s evolving really well with specific work right now, and we’ll see how he reacts when we increase the load.” The 23-year-old’s absence has forced Arteta to shuffle his attacking options, with Noni Madueke deployed on the right flank against Forest and Eze slotting in centrally. Saka’s speed and directness are vital to Arsenal’s title challenge, and while Arteta suggested a potential return for the Manchester City fixture, the timeline remains fluid. The winger’s decision to skip England duty underscores the club’s cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.

These updates arrive amid a broader injury context that has tested Arsenal’s resolve. Kai Havertz is expected to miss several weeks with a setback, while Gabriel Jesus continues his rehabilitation from a January knee problem—severe enough that Arteta excluded him from the Champions League squad altogether. Ben White and Christian Norgaard, who both sat out the Leeds win, have returned to training and could feature soon, providing further relief. Arteta emphasized the importance of squad depth in navigating this period, noting, “We need two players per position—this is football.” The summer signings have already proven their worth, with Gyokeres netting his third goal since arriving and Zubimendi’s brace showcasing his versatility from midfield.

As Arsenal prepare for the bright lights of European competition, Arteta’s measured tone reflects a manager balancing ambition with pragmatism. The UCL opener against Athletic Club—a side managed by former Arsenal assistant Andoni Iraola—looms large, and while Odegaard’s status hangs in the balance, the potential returns of Saliba and glimpses of Saka’s progress offer hope. In a season where every point and performance counts, these injury battles will define whether the Gunners can finally end their long wait for silverware. For now, Arteta’s focus is clear: manage the recoveries wisely, lean on the bench, and keep the momentum rolling from that Forest triumph.