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Arsenal Missing Havertz, Timber vs Fulham; Ødegaard Doubtful

5/2/2026

Summary

Arteta Announces Injuries

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announced Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber will miss Saturday’s league match with Fulham.
He said Martin Ødegaard’s availability is uncertain after being forced off in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Arteta hopes Havertz will be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League second leg against Atlético Madrid and noted no new injuries after the 1-1 draw.

Summary

Timber Injured

Kitman Labs CEO Stephen Smith said Jurrien Timber has a grade-two groin injury requiring three to eight weeks of rehab.
Arsenal have used three right-backs this season, with Mikel Arteta rotating Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White to replace Timber.
Timber’s nine-game absence has stripped Arsenal of defensive stability and set-piece threat, coinciding with four defeats in nine matches.

Summary

Arteta Criticizes

Mikel Arteta lost composure after Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid, openly criticizing officiating.
Analysts said Mikel Arteta's emotional volatility contrasts with the steadiness expected of top managers and may unsettle his players.
A commentator argued that such inconsistency could help explain Arsenal's recent uneven performances.
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola will seek marginal advantage as the season ends, hoping the return of key injured players will boost Arsenal's run-in.

History

Historical Context

Arsène Wenger, hired in October 1996, built the ‘Invincibles’ who went unbeaten through the 38-match 2003-04 league season in the Premier League and extended a 49-game run, mirroring the squad-depth strain that loomed in 2004. Since Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019, Arsenal have struggled with squad depth, now facing injuries to Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Martin Ødegaard, echoing the challenges of that historic era.

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Arteta Announces Injuries

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announced Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber will miss Saturday’s league match with Fulham.
He said Martin Ødegaard’s availability is uncertain after being forced off in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Arteta hopes Havertz will be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League second leg against Atlético Madrid and noted no new injuries after the 1-1 draw.

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