Mikel Arteta has provided injury updates on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka before Arsenal face Bayern Munich in a Champions League quarter-final second leg.
The Gunners captain was withdrawn in the closing stages of the defeat to Aston Villa with Arteta later admitting it was because of a potential injury. After the game, he told Sky Sports: «He had an issue, that’s why [he was taken off].»
Asked again in the post-match press conference, Arteta said: «He was feeling something.» Despite concerns, Odegaard was spotted in team training at London Colney on Tuesday, somewhat alleviating worries over his fitness.
Saka was also spotted limping in the late stages against Villa and Arteta has now been asked for updates on the influential duo. On Tuesday, he said: «Yeah hopefully (they'll be fit). Today we had only less than 48 hours to recover. We have done very little training. We will assess them and see how they are.»
Given Saka and Odegaard took part in the training session at London Colney, both starting against Bayern in Allianz Arena seems likely. Elsewhere, Jorginho returning to the starting XI and thus Kai Havertz being deployed back up top is also expected.
As for Bayern, Thomas Tuchel is dealing with a number of injury issues however he has confirmed a key duo will feature. Manu [Manuel Neueur] can play and Leroy [Sane] can play if he bites his teeth. Serge [Gnabry] and Kingsley [Coman] are unavailable so Leroy has to bite his teeth."
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In his press conference, Tuchel also delved into how he believes his side can win the tie. «We need everything,»
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