Latest Arsenal training Session, reveal four key insights involving Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber reality clear…

Four observations from the recent Arsenal training session featuring Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal aims to bounce back from their recent loss to Bournemouth as they prepare to host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates for a Champions League match on Tuesday evening.

The team has completed their final training ahead of the clash against the Ukrainian champions, having secured four points from their first two group matches.

A victory against Shakhtar would significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds and help mitigate the disappointment from Saturday’s defeat.

However, the session revealed several key absences, as Mikel Arteta continues to grapple with injury concerns.

Here are some highlights from the training on the eve of the match.

Saka’s absence

Bukayo Saka was not present, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming match as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained while representing England against Greece in the UEFA Nations League.

“With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and (after) the training session we have later on,” Arteta mentioned earlier.

Saka has been a crucial player for Arteta when available, and while the squad boasts numerous attacking talents, his absence is a significant setback. Fortunately, he is not anticipated to be sidelined for an extended period.

Saliba’s positivity

Despite William Saliba’s red card contributing to the team’s disappointment in their last match, he appeared in good spirits during a training drill that resembled basketball more than football.

The French defender is set to start against Shakhtar, although Arteta has not confirmed whether the club will appeal the Premier League suspension that will keep him out of the next weekend’s match.

“I leave it to the club to assess the situation. They will need to make the decision,” stated the Arsenal manager on Monday.

“It’s all about perspective. Our goal is to win in any situation, but the truth is we have made things quite challenging for ourselves.”

This comes as Mikel Merino expressed that he feels as though he is now part of a team of giants, with his new teammates resembling a basketball squad.

Arteta’s involvement

The 42-year-old manager demonstrated his engagement by participating in several drills with the players, even showcasing the Champions League’s yellow winter ball.

Odegaard’s status

Captain Martin Odegaard has yet to join team training, despite Arteta’s recent comments indicating that the Norwegian playmaker would be ready before the next international break.

It has been five weeks since Odegaard sustained ankle ligament injuries while on international duty, and his absence has been keenly felt.

Although Arteta maintains that he is making progress, the wait for his return continues.

Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined as they recover from their respective injuries.