Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has released some details on the availability of his players ahead of the top flight encounter against Fulham on Saturday evening.
At his pre-match presser, the Spaniard gave injury update on Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, as well as, the penalty decision overturned during Arsenal’s Uefa Champions League 2025/26 semi final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Arsenal will welcome Fulham at Emirates Stadium for the Premier League match on Saturday 2 May, 2026 at 17:30 (WAT); the Gunners will be heading into the game as toppers with seventy-three (73) points, while, the Cottagers as 10th with forty-eight (48) points.
On availability of players for the home game, Arteta disclosed Havertz and Timber will be missing in action, while, Odegaard remains doubtful.
According to arsenal.com, on the overturned penalty decision in the UCL showdown against the Mattress Makers, the former Arsenal midfielder said, he has not spoken to his team concerning that, but, will “deal” with it on Monday.
On Fulham, Arteta extolled manager Marco Silva for his work at Craven Cottage which he described as “remarkable”. The Spanish coach labelled Silva as “one of the best managers” in the English top tier.
At his pre-Fulham press conference, Arteta said:
On the mood after the semi final…
“I think so, so let’s see how everybody is tomorrow morning. Obviously, we haven’t been able to train much, so tomorrow we’ll have the final update.”
On Timber and Havertz…
“Yes, Kai and Jurrien will be out.’
On Odegaard…
“Let’s see.”
On his emotions after Wednesday…
“Focus on Fulham, and hunger. Hunger to play, hunger to compete, hunger to win, hunger to be closer to achieving our dream.”
On the overturned penalty against Atletico Madrid…
“I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to them in the last few hours, so I don’t know. We will deal with that on Monday, now it’s Fulham.”
On his message to supporters…
“Let’s keep doing what we’ve done all season and bring that energy, that passion and together we’re going to make it happen.”
On Fulham’s season so far…
“Marco [Silva] is doing a remarkable job. I’ve said it many times, in my opinion, he is one of the best managers in the league. The way he sets up his teams, what he’s done for the club, it’s incredible. We know how tough it’s going to be tomorrow.”
Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 5 May, 2026 for the Uefa Champions League semi final second leg at Emirates Stadium, North London at 20:00 (WAT).
Photo: Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
