Mikel Arteta gives Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka update ahead of Arsenal vs Sunderland

Feb 6, 2026 - 17:00

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Premier League — Timber and Saka missed training this week (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has provided injury updates on Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.

The Gunners head into the weekend after an excellent pair of results following their setback against Manchester United, thrashing Leeds United last weekend before booking their place in the Carabao Cup final with a win over Chelsea.

Injuries have been a concern, however. Saka withdrew from the Arsenal starting XI during the warm-up shortly before kick-off at Elland Road, also missing the visit of Chelsea midweek. Noni Madueke started ahead of him in both games.

Odegaard played 61 minutes against Leeds but picked up a ‘niggle’ that afternoon that saw him left out of the squad midweek.

The duo were not pictured in training on Thursday with Jurrien Timber also absent.

Speaking ahead of the visit of the Black Cats, Arteta revealed the Dutchman is ‘fine’, suggesting he is fit to start on Saturday.

While Saka is ‘much better’, Arteta suggested this weekend will come too soon for him.

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Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League — Odegaard set to miss out this weekend (Picture: Getty)

‘His hip is much better, and hopefully very soon he will be with us,’ Arteta said.

Odergaard however is set to miss out again with his manager explaining he is still ‘a few days away’.

Max Dowman is Arsenal’s only other absentee.

The teenager suffered an ankle ligament injury playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United in December but is also nearing the end of his recovery.

‘Max hasn’t trained with us yet but it will be a few weeks, he’s getting better,’ Arteta said.

Mikel Merino meanwhile is facing an extended period on the sidelines, set to undergo foot surgery.

‘Obviously it’s a big blow,’ Arteta said. ‘Mikel offers something unique in the team but he’s going to be out for four months unfortunately with a very rare injury.

‘We need to support him, make sure that he’s very connected with the team because he can still add a lot of value to the players and the staff and keep him around.’