Boost for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal duo spotted in training ahead of Athletic Bilbao clash
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Mon 15 September 2025 12:30, UK
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could have two key players back available for the Gunners’ opening Champions League match with Athletic Bilbao.
The Gunners defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 to go into the Champions League with just one defeat all season, a narrow 1-0 loss at Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury means Arteta has had to do without one of his stars, whilst Martin Odegaard continues to struggle with a shoulder problem.
Arsenal made the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, and Arteta will harbour aspirations of going one step further this time around.
Mikel Arteta could have two stars back for Atheltic Bilbao.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
One of Arteta’s most crucial defensive players, William Saliba could be back in contention to come back into the Arsenal starting XI.
Saliba was forced off against Liverpool after just five minutes, and did not feature against Nottingham Forest.
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Posting on X [15 September], Sam Blitz posted: “William Saliba is currently in Arsenal opening training with the rest of the squad.
“Christian Norgaard is on the grass as well and with the team.”
It increases the options at Arteta’s disposal as the fixture list starts to get more congested for sides competing in Europe alongside domestic matters.