Arsenal vs Sunderland: Latest team news, predicted lineups and injuries

Arsenal will hope to have Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard available for the visit of Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend.

Mikel Arteta was without the duo as the Gunners booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Odegaard was a surprise absence from the squad with Arteta revealing ahead of kick-off his skipper had ‘felt a niggle’ in the weekend victory over Leeds United.

Saka meanwhile withdrew from the starting XI that afternoon at Elland Road just minutes before kick-off with a muscle injury, sitting out of the second-leg against Chelsea last night.

Saka will undergo more tests today with Arteta also playing down the severity of Odegaard’s issue.

 The Arsenal boss will deliver a further update on the pair when he speaks to the press ahead of the visit of the Black Cats on Saturday.

With the exception of Max Dowman, Arteta has been able to work with a fully fit squad the last week.

But with the Arsenal boss sweating on Saka and Odegaard, he is also set to be without Mikel Merino for a prolonged spell with the midfielder to undergo surgery on his foot.

Arsenal are once again six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Aston Villa and Manchester City away to Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively this weekend, that gap could be extended again.

Arsenal XI to face Sunderland – Metro prediction

As of now, Saka and Odegaard are doubts and given Arteta’s penchant for giving very little away on the injury front, it may stay that way right up until kick-off.

Noni Madueke gave a good account of himself in Saka’s absence against Leeds and came off after 70 minutes against Chelsea, perhaps with the weekend in mind.

Eberechi Eze played the full 90 but had little impact on proceedings. But if Odegaard is not deemed fit, he could be handed another start.

Arsenal vs Sunderland TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

Arsenal vs Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 7 February.

Given that kick-off time, the match will not be televised live in the UK.

But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.