Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, Odegaard, and Timber Miss Training Ahead of Sunderland Clash
Arsenal fans received a concerning update on Thursday as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber were all absent from the club’s open training session at London Colney.
With the Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium just days away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, these absences have sparked fresh worries about squad depth during a crucial phase of the season.
The Gunners are pushing hard in the title race, and staying healthy is key. Here’s the latest on each player’s situation, based on reports from Sky Sports and other reliable sources.
Bukayo Saka’s Expected Absence This Weekend
Bukayo Saka’s no-show at training comes as no surprise. The 24-year-old England international picked up a hip/groin issue during the warm-up before last weekend’s impressive win over Leeds United. He was forced to withdraw before kick-off, and he subsequently missed the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final victory against Chelsea.
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While the injury isn’t considered overly serious, Arsenal are taking a cautious approach with their star winger. Reports suggest Saka is likely to sit out the Sunderland match this weekend, as well as the upcoming games against Brentford and possibly the FA Cup tie. The good news? There’s optimism he’ll be fit in time for the big north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on February 22.
Fans will be hoping their talismanic attacker returns refreshed and ready to make an impact in that huge fixture.
Martin Odegaard’s Return in Doubt Despite Arteta’s Earlier Optimism
The absence of captain Martin Ødegaard feels particularly disappointing. Mikel Arteta had previously hinted that the Norwegian playmaker could be available for selection against Sunderland this weekend, especially after he came off the bench at Leeds and contributed with an assist in the build-up to one of the goals.
Ødegaard has been managing a niggle in recent weeks and was rested as a precaution for the Chelsea game. There’s still a small window for him to return to training before Saturday, but with every passing day without him on the grass, the chances of featuring against the Black Cats are fading.
Arsenal will be crossing their fingers that their creative heartbeat can shake off the issue quickly and get back to dictating play in midfield.
Jurrien Timber’s Unexplained Absence Raises New Concerns
The biggest surprise from Thursday’s session was Jurrien Timber missing out. The versatile right-back had started and completed the full 90 minutes in the recent win over Chelsea without any visible problems.
His sudden absence remains unexplained at this stage, and Sky Sports noted that he “could be a doubt” for the Sunderland encounter. Arsenal supporters will be watching closely for more details, as Timber has become a vital part of the backline with his composure and ability to play multiple positions.
We’ll likely get clearer answers when Mikel Arteta faces the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Additional Absentees: Merino and Dowman Ruled Out
The injury list doesn’t stop there. Midfielder Mikel Merino and young talent Max Dowman are already confirmed to miss the Sunderland game due to their respective foot and ankle injuries. Merino, in particular, has undergone a procedure on a foot issue and faces a longer spell on the sidelines.
This means Arsenal could potentially be without five first-team options for Saturday’s Premier League fixture — a real test of squad depth as they look to maintain momentum in the race for silverware.
What Happens Next?
Mikel Arteta will provide the definitive update during Friday’s press conference, so stay tuned for the latest team news. Until then, Arsenal fans will be hoping these issues prove minor and that the Gunners can navigate this tricky period without too many disruptions.
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Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, Odegaard, and Timber Miss Training Ahead of Sunderland Clash
