Boost for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal duo spotted in training ahead of Athletic Bilbao clash
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.
William Saliba and Christian Norgaard train ahead of Athletic Bilbao
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.
Summer arrival from Brentford, Christian Norgaard could also feature in the squad and make his first competitive appearance for the club.
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.
Cristhian Mosquera should still start vs Bilbao
In Saliba’s absence at centre-back, Cristhian Mosquera stepped in against Liverpool and started against Nottingham Forest.
In both matches the 21-year-old did not put a foot wrong and looked assured at the back alongside Gabriel.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 92 |
| Defensive Contributions | 8 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Clearances | 4 |
Nottingham Forest and Liverpool had just four shots on target between them without Saliba in the team.
With a massive Premier League game against Man City to come just days after the trip to Athletic Bilbao, Arteta should give Saliba extra rest time with the assurance now that Mosquera and Gabriel also make a fine partnership.
Saliba could come on in Spain for some minutes before Man City, but Arteta has increased the depth of his squad over the summer for scenarios like these.