Arsenal handed third injury scare following Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard concerns

Arsenal have been handed another injury scare with Jurrien Timber missing training ahead of the weekend clash with Sunderland.

With the exception of Max Dowman, Mikel Arteta briefly had a fully fit squad to choose from following the returns of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at the end of January.

But injuries struck again at the weekend with Bukayo Saka pulling up in the warm-up shortly before last Saturday’s victory over Leeds United.

The England international missed the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea on Tuesday, along with Martin Odegaard who also picked up a knock at Elland Road.

The duo were absent from training at London Colney on Thursday along with Timber.

The Netherlands international completed the full 90 minutes at the Emirates against Chelsea and did not appear to be struggling with any issues.

Timber has been a key figure in a defence that has kept 20 clean sheets in all competitions this season, starting 21 of Arsenal’s 24 Premier League matches.

Arteta will speak to the media on Friday ahead of the visit of the Black Cats where he will be expected to give an update on the trio.

Speaking ahead of the Chelsea game, he said of Odegaard’s injury: ‘He felt a niggle during the Leeds game.

‘We tried yesterday but he wasn’t comfortable. So let’s see if he’s available for the weekend.’

Asked about Saka’s progress, Arteta said: ‘He’s okay.

‘We need to have more tests tomorrow to see how he is. This game was too short.’

Arsenal are once again six points clear at the summit of English football.

Second place Manchester City face a huge test away to Liverpool on Sunday with Aston Villa, seven off the top, away to Bournemouth.