Arsenal Injury Blow Ahead of Sunderland Clash
Arsenal will be without two of their most influential players when they host Sunderland in the Premier League this afternoon. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard are unavailable for selection due to injury concerns.
Key Absences for the Gunners
The absence of Saka and Odegaard represents a significant setback for Arsenal as they look to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Odegaard was a surprise omission from the squad that defeated Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, with Arteta revealing the Norwegian midfielder had "felt a niggle" during last weekend's victory over Leeds United.
Saka's situation is equally concerning for Arsenal supporters. The England international withdrew from the starting lineup at Elland Road just minutes before kick-off with a hip problem, subsequently missing the crucial second leg against Chelsea. While Arteta has indicated Saka is making good progress in his recovery, this weekend's match against Sunderland comes too soon for his return.
Other Team News Updates
There is better news regarding defender Jurrien Timber, who missed training on Thursday but has been declared "fine" to feature against Sunderland. However, the Gunners will be without midfielder Mikel Merino for an extended period as he prepares to undergo foot surgery.
Max Dowman remains Arsenal's only other confirmed absentee, meaning Arteta has limited options to rotate his squad ahead of this important fixture.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup
With Saka and Odegaard unavailable, Arteta is expected to turn to alternative attacking options. Noni Madueke, who impressed with two assists against Leeds United, is likely to feature prominently, while Eberechi Eze will be hoping for increased minutes to prove his worth to the manager.
The predicted Arsenal lineup reflects these enforced changes, with Arteta needing to balance maintaining their Premier League advantage with managing his squad's fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Match Information
Arsenal versus Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 7th February 2026. Due to the traditional Saturday afternoon blackout period, the match will not be televised live in the United Kingdom. Supporters can follow comprehensive coverage through dedicated matchday blogs and analysis platforms.
This fixture comes at a crucial juncture in Arsenal's season, with their title rivals facing challenging away fixtures this weekend. Aston Villa travel to Bournemouth while Manchester City visit Liverpool, presenting Arsenal with an opportunity to potentially extend their advantage at the summit of English football.
