Arsenal are facing a second game in a row without Bukayo Saka after the England international missed yesterday’s open training session ahead of this evening’s match with Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 23-year-old is still recovering from a hamstring problem picked up on international duty and even though the issue isn’t deemed serious, it’s likely he won’t be risked, as was the case at the weekend when he sat out the defeat to Bournemouth.
The decision is likely influenced by the upcoming schedule with Liverpool visiting the Emirates on Sunday before a tough run of November fixtures at Newcastle, Inter Milan and Chelsea.
While manager Mikel Arteta confirmed yesterday that Jurrien Timber is close to a return from the muscular problem sustained in the 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the month, the Dutchman also missed yesterday’s training. In all likelihood, Raheem Sterling and Ben White will play on the right flank this evening.
Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also sidelined with ankle, knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
Arsenal are unbeaten after two matches in the revamped Champions League league phase. A win against tonight’s Ukrainian opponents would put Arteta’s side in a solid position to finish in the top 24 teams, guaranteeing qualification for the knockout phase play-off at a minimum.
After the defeat to Bournemouth, nothing can be taken for granted, especially against an opponent who are flying the flag for their wartorn country.
“Obviously, [we have] a lot of sympathy for the situation that they’re in,” said Arteta in yesterday’s press conference.
“The incredible attitude they’re having towards the situation and the things that they have to put in place to continue to be able to play football matches at this level and compete in the way they do, it’s remarkable and we’ll welcome them here tomorrow in the best possible way.”
The manager’s sentiments were echoed by midfielder Mikel Merino, who added: “Sitting right here, I cannot even think about what they must be feeling or what life is like. But, obviously, we are all empathetic.
“I wish them all the best for their careers, for their lives. Hopefully this situation stops as soon as possible but obviously we cannot control that from here. We will try to host them in the best manner possible.”
Praying they’re ready for Liverpool because we’ll have a torrid time without them. Facing them without Saliba is already bad enough.
People can’t take reality in these comment sections
Ah man, no Tierney?
Didn’t see Abuo Diaby in the training pictures either so he must not be available
Good. No need to risk anything with the remaining games before the next interlull !
We need to beat Liverpool!
We will. Both Jurrien and Bukayo will be available as Mikel is load managing them tonight 🙂
Just gets better and better.
For Saka injury, has Mikel been playing double bluff by underplaying its severity? If he hasn’t trained till now (about 10 days), injury can’t be minor. I wouldn’t count on him being a starter even against Pool.
So what do you say about Carsley who said he would have been fit to face Finland if Arsenal hadn’t pulled him from the grouo as a precaution?
Just relax.
Did Carsley say that?
More or less, but it was before Saka had a scan so I wouldn’t place all my hopes and dreams on that comment