Arsenal Sweat Over Saka and Odegaard Fitness for Crucial Champions League Clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is anxious about the fitness of his key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ahead of their crucial Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Both players are doubtful due to knocks, with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after the first leg.
Injury Concerns for Gunners’ Star DuoMartin Odegaard
- Saka limped near the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday but managed to finish the game.
- Odegaard felt discomfort during the match, forcing him to be replaced by Emile Smith Rowe in the 79th minute.
Arteta admitted the short turnaround between games has limited training opportunities for the squad. He will assess their fitness on Tuesday before making a final decision on their availability.
Light Training Session Offers Hope
A glimmer of hope emerged for Arsenal fans with a picture showing Saka and Odegaard sharing a laugh during a light training session. However, their participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain.
Arteta Insists Villa Loss Won’t Affect Champions League Performance
Despite the disappointing loss to Aston Villa, Arteta maintains it will not impact their performance against Bayern Munich. He emphasized the team will refocus and build confidence for the crucial encounter.
Bayern Munich Eager to Bounce Back and Secure Semifinal Spot
With their 12-year reign as Bundesliga champions dethroned by Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich is hungry to redeem themselves in the Champions League. Manager Thomas Tuchel, who will depart at the end of the season, is determined to leave on a high note.
Tuchel Acknowledges Experience Advantage but Calls for Top Performance
Tuchel acknowledges Bayern’s experience advantage in the Champions League but stresses the need for a top performance to capitalize on it. He assures his team is prepared to give their all and replicate the tactical discipline displayed in the first leg.
