Two Arsenal stars ruled out of Fulham clash as Mikel Arteta gives update | Football | Sport

Mikel Arteta has delivered an Arsenal injury update ahead of his side’s pivotal clash against Fulham. The Gunners can open up a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City with victory, as Pep Guardiola’s relentless challengers are not in action until Monday night when they travel to face European hopefuls Everton.

He added: “I think so. Let’s see how everybody is tomorrow morning. We haven’t been able to train much, so tomorrow we’ll have the final update.”

There are further doubts surrounding the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard, who was withdrawn during the second half at the Metropolitano. When pressed on whether he would be fit to play this weekend, Arteta said: “Let’s see.”

The Norwegian has been hampered by a knee complaint sustained during the 1-1 draw at Brentford in February over recent months. He has endured several spells on the sidelines but has returned to the starting line-up over the past few weeks as he looks to help the Gunners clinch honours in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Arteta’s comments suggest it is anything but guaranteed that he will be fit to feature against Marco Silva’s side at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka made his second consecutive appearance as a substitute in Spain, while Riccardo Calafiori also returned to the matchday squad following his recent injury.

Timber is understood to be inching closer to a comeback from his groin complaint, though he has now been absent for more than seven weeks. Havertz’s groin problem is not considered to be as severe as initially feared, and he could yet make an appearance before Arsenal‘s season draws to a close.