Arsenal vs Fulham: Mikel Arteta Confirms Two Huge Absences Ahead of London Derbynewsline24

Arsenal return to domestic action this Saturday to host Fulham at the Emirates in a massive London derby as the 2025-26 Premier League title race enters its explosive final stretch.

With only four games left to play and Manchester City breathing down their necks, the Gunners have absolutely no margin for error.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided crucial team news following his side’s grueling 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg. With fatigue building up, the focus quickly shifted to player fitness, rotation, and who will be available for this must-win clash.

Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will definitely be without two key players for the visit of the Cottagers.
When asked directly about his squad’s fitness, the manager stated: “Yeah, Kai and Jurrien will be out.”

The absence of Jurrien Timber is a frustrating blow, but the ongoing saga of Kai Havertz’s fitness remains a massive talking point. Arteta was quick to highlight just how much the German international is missed on the pitch.

“He’s been a huge miss-we’re talking about one of the most important attacking players we have, and he’s been out for seven or eight months,” Arteta explained. “Kai is desperate to be on the pitch as soon as possible. He cannot do this game, but hopes to be back for Atletico.”

While Timber and Havertz are ruled out, Arsenal fans are anxiously awaiting updates on their captain, Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker was forced off with knee pain during the intense midweek clash in Madrid.
When pressed for an update on Odegaard’s availability against Fulham, Arteta remained cautious, simply replying: “Let’s see.”

Given the short turnaround, the medical team will evaluate the captain right up to kickoff to determine if he can safely start or if he will need to be rested.

Despite the injury concerns, there is positive news for the squad’s depth. Star winger Bukayo Saka, who was utilized carefully in recent fixtures, could be in line to make his first start since returning to full fitness. Arteta will likely look to lean on the in-form midfield duo of Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, both of whom have been crucial in keeping Arsenal ticking over during this busy schedule.

Despite the physical toll of competing on multiple fronts and dealing with a few key injuries, Arteta refused to entertain the idea of fatigue. With Manchester City not playing against Everton until Monday night, Arsenal has the golden opportunity to temporarily stretch their lead at the top of the table to six points.

“I think we have enough fuel in the tank,” Arteta stated confidently.

“We’re playing to win the Premier League, and it’s exactly where we want to be. Four games to go… I’m ready to go. What I see from my players is hunger. Hunger to win. That’s it. To compete, to prepare and to achieve the goal that we set at the start of the season.”