Arteta Issues Critical Fitness Update on Odegaard and Timber Ahead of Manchester City Cup Clash

Mikel Arteta gives the latest on Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as Arsenal faces a massive week. Read the editorial on Saka's form and injury news.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 2:40 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Crucial Week for the Double Pursuit

Arsenal has entered a defining period of the season with their focus divided between a domestic title charge and two major cup competitions. Following a disciplined 2-0 victory over Everton that strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table, Mikel Arteta’s side is now shifting its attention to knockout football. The Gunners are set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 encounter before traveling to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. This intense schedule has put the club's medical department under significant pressure as they attempt to clear several high profile starters for the upcoming trophies.

Mixed News from the Medical Room

During a press conference on Monday, Mikel Arteta provided a comprehensive update on the fitness of three vital first team players. The manager confirmed that Leandro Trossard is fully recovered and available for selection in both upcoming fixtures, providing a much needed boost to the attacking rotation. However, the outlook for Martin Odegaard remains uncertain, with the manager describing a race against time to get the captain ready for the weekend. Arteta noted that while Odegaard is desperate to feature in the final, his availability will depend entirely on how he responds to full team training over the next forty eight hours.

Timber Availability Remains in Question

The defensive situation for the Gunners also remains fluid as Jurrien Timber continues his recovery process. Arteta was unable to provide a definitive timeline for the defender’s return, suggesting that while the player is close to fitness, his participation in the Carabao Cup final is currently a "matter of days" rather than a certainty. The uncertainty surrounding Timber and Odegaard highlights the physical toll of a season where Arsenal is competing on multiple fronts. According to the coaching staff, the goal is to have as many options as possible for the City match, but no risks will be taken that could jeopardize the players' long term availability for the Premier League run in.