Arsenal are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for their Champions League league phase opener against Athletic Club at the San Mames Stadium on Tuesday evening. Mikel Arteta’s side, fresh off a commanding 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, face a daunting challenge in Bilbao with a depleted squad. Meanwhile, Athletic Club, coming off a 1-0 defeat to Alaves, are also contending with their own injury concerns.
Mikel Arteta confirmed in a press conference on Monday that five key players will miss the crucial clash: Martin Odegaard (shoulder), Bukayo Saka (muscle), Ben White (unspecified), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (knee). “Gabi [Jesus], Kai [Havertz], Ben [White], and Martin [Odegaard] are still out, unfortunately,” Arteta stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Additionally, reports indicate that three other players—Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Jurrien Timber (muscle), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)—are also likely to be absent, bringing the total number of unavailable players to eight. This leaves Arsenal with a significantly weakened squad as they aim to secure three points in their European campaign.
Regarding Bukayo Saka, who has already missed Arsenal’s last two matches due to a muscle injury, Arteta provided little optimism for a swift return. “No, I think there’s still quite a lot of things to go through,” he said when pressed for an update. “It’s very early to understand when, which week he’s going to be available, but he will certainly be pushing to be available as quick as possible.”
The absence of key figures like Odegaard, Arsenal’s creative midfield linchpin, and Saka, their dynamic winger, poses a significant challenge for Arteta. The additional losses of Havertz, Jesus, and White further deplete Arsenal’s attacking and defensive options, forcing the manager to rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments.
Athletic Club are not without their own problems. The Basque side will be missing three players for the match. Star winger Nico Williams, a key component of their attack, has been ruled out with an adductor injury sustained earlier this month. Additionally, Benat Prados and Unai Egiluz are sidelined with knee injuries, both requiring surgery, which will keep them out for an extended period.
Despite their recent loss to Alaves, Athletic Club remain a formidable opponent at home, and Arsenal will need to navigate the hostile atmosphere of the San Mames without several of their star players.
With eight players potentially unavailable, Arteta faces a tactical nightmare. The absence of Odegaard and Havertz limits Arsenal’s midfield creativity, while the unavailability of Saka and Jesus reduces their attacking threat. Defensively, the potential absence of White, Zinchenko, and Timber could force Arteta to deploy less experienced players or adjust his formation to compensate.
Arsenal’s depth will be tested, with players like Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Martinelli likely to shoulder more responsibility. Young prospects from the academy may also be called upon to fill the gaps, providing an opportunity for them to shine on the European stage.
The injury crisis comes at a critical juncture for Arsenal, who are aiming to make a strong start in the Champions League while maintaining their momentum in the Premier League. Arteta will need to rally his squad and adapt his game plan to counter Athletic Club’s physical and direct style of play.
For Athletic Club, the absence of Williams, Prados, and Egiluz will be a blow, but their home advantage and passionate fanbase could pose significant challenges for Arsenal’s depleted side.
As both teams prepare for the showdown, the focus will be on how Arteta manages his limited resources and whether Arsenal can overcome their injury woes to secure a vital victory in Bilbao.