Arsenal are expected to once again be without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard when they host Sunderland in the Premier League this afternoon.
The pair both missed the midweek win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Saka picked up a hip injury in the warm-up ahead of the Leeds match last weekend, while Odegaard has a minor muscle issue.
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Mikel Arteta provided a positive update at his pre-match press conference on Friday, but the visit of Sunderland is likely to come too soon for Saka and Odegaard.
“Martin again is getting better. It will be a matter of days, we believe," Arteta said.
"[Saka’s] hip is getting much better. Hopefully, very soon he will be with us.”
Jurrien Timber missed training on Thursday but Arteta confirmed that the Dutchman is fit and available to face Sunderland.
If Odegaard does miss out, Arteta could opt to start Kai Havertz in midfield, as he did against Leeds when the Arsenal captain was on the bench.
Saka is likely to be unavailable and that should offer up another opportunity for Noni Madueke, who scored and assisted after coming into the starting lineup at the last minute at Elland Road.
Viktor Gyokeres will hope to keep his place over Gabriel Jesus up front, while Leandro Trossard could get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Riccardo Calafiori has not started in the Premier League since before Christmas, but the Italian is an option to come into the side and offer his unique qualities from left-back.
Teenager Max Dowman remains out with ankle ligament damage sustained while playing in an Under-21s friendly against Manchester United in December, while it remains to be seen if Mikel Merino will feature again this season due to a foot injury.
“Max hasn't trained with us so it will still be a few weeks I think,” Arteta said. “But he's getting better.”
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Trossard; Gyokeres
Injured: Dowman, Merino
Doubts: Odegaard, Saka
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday February 7, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
