Arsenal injury news is once again dominating headlines as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for their Champions League clash away to Athletic Club on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
Arteta rotated heavily in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but the celebrations were dampened when Ødegaard was forced off early with a shoulder issue. The captain’s influence in midfield is irreplaceable, and his potential absence in Bilbao would leave a huge creative void. The Spaniard admitted post-match that the Norwegian’s problem resembled a previous setback but insisted surgery was not required.
Meanwhile, Saliba is nursing an ankle knock that ruled him out against Forest despite training on Friday. Arteta suggested the defender asked for “a few more days” to recover, raising doubts about his readiness for Spain. As for Bukayo Saka, the winger remains on the sidelines with a hamstring concern. While he is progressing in rehab, Arsenal’s medical team are unwilling to accelerate his return after his history of muscle issues last season.
With the Gunners having spent nearly £300m in the summer window to build squad depth, the pressure is on those reinforcements — Christian Nørgaard, Declan Rice, and others — to step up. But can Arsenal realistically challenge in Europe if their talismanic trio remain unavailable?
Arsenal injury news: Ødegaard, Saliba and Saka latest
Arteta has been open about the intense fixture list, warning that players may face 70-plus matches across all competitions. That level of demand has already taken its toll on Arsenal’s stars, and Tuesday’s trip to San Mamés comes at the worst possible time.
“Yes, very similar [to the previous injury]. He wasn’t comfortable continuing. We have to assess him with the doctors, but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.” — Mikel Arteta on Ødegaard
Saka’s absence is particularly damaging for Arsenal’s attacking balance. His ability to stretch defences and deliver decisive moments has been critical in both domestic and European campaigns. Without him, Arteta may turn to Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli in wider roles, though neither offers the same mix of directness and creativity.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Arsenal’s depth will now face its sternest test:
“Arteta has invested in options like Nørgaard and Havertz to ease the burden on his regulars, but it’s the spine of Ødegaard, Saliba and Saka that elevates Arsenal into Europe’s elite. If all three are missing in Bilbao, Arsenal risk starting their Champions League campaign flat.”
From a tactical lens, Saliba’s absence weakens Arsenal’s high defensive line, while Saka’s creativity on the counter is vital against Spanish opposition known for pressing. Arteta may need to adopt a more pragmatic approach, relying on Rice’s control in midfield and Gabriel Jesus (when fit) to shoulder attacking responsibility.
Key insights
- Ødegaard’s shoulder issue could go down to the wire before Tuesday.
- Saliba trained but requested more recovery time.
- Saka remains sidelined with hamstring rehabilitation.
- Arteta stresses fixture congestion as a long-term challenge.
- Arsenal may rely on summer signings to plug gaps.
What’s next for Arsenal
Arsenal travel to Bilbao on Tuesday, 16 September, before returning to the Emirates to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, 21 September. The timing of these fixtures means Arteta must balance risk and reward: should he push Ødegaard and Saliba back early, or protect them with City looming?
If Saka misses both games, it highlights Arsenal’s vulnerability without their homegrown winger. Long-term, the Gunners hope to have Havertz back by November and Gabriel Jesus by December or January, but short-term, their European prospects hinge on how quickly their current stars recover.
👉 Should Arsenal risk Ødegaard and Saliba in Bilbao — or save them for Manchester City at the Emirates?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 15 Sep 2025 11:34
Their "2e" team is good enough to win against Bilbao
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