Mikel Arteta broke down in tears during press conference as another Crucial Arsenal player who was supposed to be the KEY man against Liverpool is now injured and out of the game

### Arsenal Injury Update: Latest News on Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber

As the highly anticipated Premier League match against Liverpool approaches, Arsenal fans are keen for updates on several key players currently sidelined with injuries. Mikel Arteta’s squad has faced multiple setbacks, making the status of players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber critical. Here’s the latest on their injuries and potential return dates.

#### Bukayo Saka’s Hamstring Issues

Bukayo Saka has been vital for Arsenal, and any injury to him is a significant concern. He left the pitch during England’s unexpected Nations League defeat to Greece, dealing with a suspected hamstring injury. Initially thought to be minor, worries grew when he was withdrawn from the squad for further assessment.

Despite early hopes that Saka might be fit for the match against Bournemouth, he ultimately did not participate. Arteta, speaking before the game, expressed cautious optimism: “We tried the last few days, but he didn’t have the right feeling. There was no point pushing him, and we have very good options as well.”

Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta updated fans: “He is getting closer and progressing really well. Let’s see how he feels after today’s training session.”

**Potential return date:** October 22 vs Shakhtar Donetsk

#### Martin Ødegaard’s Ankle Injury

Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard has also been absent recently. The Norwegian midfielder has been sidelined since August 31 due to a serious ankle ligament injury incurred while on international duty. His creative presence has been sorely missed.

Ødegaard’s recovery has been closely watched, and while there was initial hope for an earlier return, Arteta ruled him out of the Bournemouth match: “He’s not going to be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story. In that later stage of rehab, he needs to clear some markers.”

Arteta noted Ødegaard’s progress ahead of the Shakhtar game: “He is getting closer and progressing really well. But Martin is still not fit.”

If Ødegaard cannot return for the Liverpool game, he may be available for the Carabao Cup match against Preston North End later in October.

**Potential return date:** October 27 vs Liverpool, or October 30 vs Preston

#### Jurrien Timber’s Recovery

Jurrien Timber has faced a frustrating start to his Arsenal tenure, with injuries limiting his playtime. After the international break, Arteta mentioned that Timber, along with a couple of others, was close to returning: “The three of them are quite close. Today we will have to push and see who is available.”

While teammates Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko returned, Timber was still absent. The Dutch defender suffered an injury during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain last month and has been recovering since. Arteta has been cautious with Timber’s return, especially given his previous serious knee injury.

Before the Shakhtar match, Arteta provided an encouraging update: “It’s going to be close. We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group. But he is pretty close.”

**Potential return date:** October 22 vs Shakhtar Donetsk, or October 27 vs Liverpool

#### Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Injury Concerns

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s return to fitness has been challenging. After finally recovering from a knee injury during a match against Southampton, he found himself injured again. Arteta confirmed the setback ahead of the Bournemouth game, stating, “We don’t know how long he will be out for, but it doesn’t look like it will be a long period. We need to see how he comes back and reacts to the load on the pitch.”

Tomiyasu has worked hard to regain match fitness, and his absence is a blow to Arsenal’s defensive depth. However, a specific return timeline remains uncertain.

**Potential return date:** Unknown

#### Kieran Tierney’s Recovery Status

Kieran Tierney has not played since being stretchered off during Scotland’s group game against Switzerland at Euro 2024. His hamstring injury has kept him out for a considerable time, and there is still no clear timeline for his return.

Although Tierney’s absence has been somewhat mitigated by squad depth at left-back, his return could offer additional options for Arteta, particularly with Zinchenko also facing fitness challenges.