Martin Odegaard
There was thought to be an outside chance that the captain could return for the Carabao Cup final, but when speaking about both the Norwegian and Jurrien Timber, Arteta cast doubt on whether the pair will even be back for Arsenal’s next game next month:
“They couldn’t make it [for the final], so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let’s see after the international break if we have anybody back.”
Odegaard has been missing since picking up a knee problem after the North London derby a month ago.
Expected Return Date – April
Jurrien Timber
The Dutchman injured his ankle during the 2-0 win over Everton earlier this month, and he was forced off before halftime.
Timber was subsequently unavailable for the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen and the defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
The Gunners’ next match is against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s on April 4th.
However, Arteta has given no guarantees that Timber will be back in contention for that match.
Expected Return Date – April
Mikel Merino
The midfielder had an operation last month to repair a stress fracture in his foot.
Merino has been ruled out for up to five months, which means he has played his last match for Arsenal this campaign.
There are also doubts over whether he will be ready to play for Spain in the World Cup this summer.
Expected Return Date – Next Season
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
