Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe are ruled out of the Burnley clash and there could be more absentees.
The Gunners returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League. Bukayo Saka stood out with a goal and an assist.
However, he picked up a knock towards the end of the game. In today’s press conference, Arteta revealed that Timber, Partey and Smith Rowe are definite absentees for tomorrow.
The manager added that could be a few more players ruled out of the game.
He told Arsenal.com: “Timber is for sure not. Thomas Partey is for sure out and probably Emile is out. There might be a few more.”
When pressed further on the fitness of Saka and Martin Odegaard, the Spaniard said that Saka did not train yesterday and was in a lot of pain after his knock against Sevilla.
Odegaard has failed to make the matchday squad over the past two games with an undefined injury and Arteta admitted that he is facing a race against time to face Burnley.
He said on the duo: “B had to leave the pitch because he was in quite a lot of pain. He didn’t train yesterday and let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”
“He’s [Odegaard still racing (against the clock). He’s trying everything that he can so let’s see. It’s a possibility.”
Arsenal could be missing more than three players
Timber, Partey and Smith Rowe are absentees for tomorrow. There are likely to be joined by Gabriel Jesus, who has not returned to training after a hamstring injury last month.
Aside from the quartet, Odegaard and Saka are racing against time to be fit for tomorrow. The former has been absent for two games and we won’t be surprised if he misses out again.
Eddie Nketiah, who picked up an ankle knock against Newcastle, is another player doubtful alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was substituted as a precaution for ‘some discomfort’ in midweek.
Hence, Arsenal could potentially be without eight players for the upcoming clash against Burnley at home, but they should still be overwhelming favourites to beat the Clarets.
The visitors are 19th on the table with 27 goals conceded thus far. Some Arsenal fans will be disappointed if the club don’t secure a resounding victory over the Lancashire outfit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
