Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could both be available for selection in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Odegaard, 27, has endured a difficult 2025-26 season, missing 21 matches across all competitions due to a number of injuries. He is currently recovering from a knee injury, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in a 4-1 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Timber, on the other hand, has been one of Arsenal’s most important players in the ongoing campaign, registering 11 goal involvements in 43 total outings. After being forced off with an ankle issue in a 2-0 win over Everton, he missed his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this Tuesday.
During a pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked to shed light on Odegaard and Timber’s injuries and whether the pair will be fit to feature against Manchester City. He replied (h/t GOAL):
“We have another training session (on Saturday), so the ones that are in contention hopefully can give us good news. We have another session, so let’s see if they can make it.”
Opining on his selection headache, the Spaniard added:
“Everybody has been involved in the competition, and on the last day when you have the option to be at Wembley, not to give the opportunity for someone to be there, it’s difficult. So, yes, it’s something to think about.”
Arsenal, who have a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League table, boast a fine head-to-head record against Pep Guardiola’s outfit. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings across all competitions against the Cityzens, winning three.
Arsenal told to keep Martin Odegaard
During a chat with FruityKing, ex-Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar suggested that his former team should not cash in on Martin Odegaard in the near future. He said (h/t Metro):
“It would be dangerous for Arsenal to sell Martin Odegaard. The other players rely on him so much. The way he shows for the ball and dictates games, who is he taking the pressure off? Declan Rice and that lets Declan Rice do his stuff. He takes the pressure off Martin Zubimendi too.”
Odegaard, whose Gunners contract will run out in June 2028, has scored 42 goals and provided 45 assists in 225 overall outings for the north London outfit so far. He has captained his side to three straight second-place Premier League finishes and one FA Community Shield win.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
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