October 21st 2024.
Arsenal faced a tough defeat over the weekend, with both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard unable to play due to injuries. Manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on their status, along with that of Jurrien Timber, as the team prepares for their upcoming Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
It was a disappointing loss for the Gunners, who dropped four points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table. Saka had initially hoped to join the team on Saturday, but Arteta ultimately decided not to risk further injury for the winger who had recently sustained a hamstring injury while playing for England.
Meanwhile, Odegaard has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway last month, and Timber has been out for the last two games due to a muscular injury from the previous Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
With a packed schedule ahead, Arteta's team must now shift their focus to European football as they face Ukrainian side Shakhtar on Tuesday. So far, Arsenal has managed to secure four points from their first two games in the new league stage, with a draw against Atalanta and a strong home win against PSG.
During a press conference on Monday, Arteta provided an update on the trio's recovery progress. "They are getting closer," he said. "They are both making good progress." However, Odegaard is still not fit to play and Arteta will monitor Saka's condition after the training session.
As for Timber, Arteta remains hopeful that he will be able to join the team soon. "He's close," Arteta said. "We'll have to see how he responds to training with the whole group. It was a muscular injury."
The defeat on Saturday was Arsenal's first in a competitive match since their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last April. However, Arteta believes that the quick turnaround will benefit the team and allow them to bounce back strong before their important match against Liverpool next weekend.
"We have to start tomorrow," Arteta stated. "The desire is there and we are desperate to play this kind of match. The atmosphere will be electric tomorrow night, so let's give our all and earn the right to win the game."
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