Arteta admits Arsenal injury situation ‘far from ideal’ with Saka still out

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Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s injury situation is “far from ideal” as the Gunners prepare for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon without several key players, including Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal winger remains sidelined with an Achilles problem that has kept him out since last month’s Carabao Cup final. Despite initial hopes for a quick return, Saka has now missed three matches, with the Gunners losing two of those games.

Speaking ahead of the crucial European tie, Arteta revealed the England international is “constantly looking for solutions” but remains uncertain about his return timeline.

“It’s been a few weeks, obviously, and he hasn’t been able to train much, so it’s not only having him available but in which condition,” the Arsenal manager explained. “We want him on the pitch as quick as we can. The moment that he can tolerate the load and the pain that he has, he will be available.”

The 24-year-old’s absence comes at a critical juncture, with Arsenal facing a potentially decisive trip to Manchester City this Sunday alongside their European commitments. His injury woes have been a recurring theme this campaign, having already missed 10 matchday squads following a hamstring tear in December 2024 that required surgery.

Squad stretched to the limit

Arteta acknowledged the broader injury crisis affecting his squad at the business end of the season. “It’s very far from ideal,” he said about the club’s overall injury situation. “We mentioned that when you come to this stage, you need your best players in the best moment, and everybody available, and it’s not the case.”

The injury list extends well beyond Saka, with Martin Odegaard struggling for rhythm due to knee, shoulder and muscle problems. Kai Havertz spent months out following knee surgery, while Mikel Merino continues working back from a fractured foot. Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have all endured spells on the sidelines.

Despite the setbacks, Arteta praised his team’s resilience throughout a challenging campaign. “We’ve been through so much during the season with a lot of situations that we have overcome, and that’s the spirit of the team,” he noted.

Saka’s determination

The Arsenal boss highlighted Saka’s proactive approach to his recovery, emphasizing the player’s determination to return as quickly as possible. “He’s a person that gets frustrated, but he does everything that he can to change that,” Arteta said. “He doesn’t lie there waiting for things. He’s constantly looking for solutions.”

With nine goals and seven assists in 42 appearances this season, Saka’s creativity has been sorely missed during Arsenal’s recent struggles in the final third. As the Gunners enter the crucial final phase of their campaign, they’ll need to find alternative solutions to maintain their push across multiple competitions.