Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are officially ruled out for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Sporting CP, confirming three major absences for Mikel Arteta ahead of a decisive night. Follow Arsenal against Sporting CP with us for live updates!
Saka is sidelined with an ongoing Achilles issue that has required careful load management in recent weeks, while Odegaard’s absence is linked to a knee issue sustained during the first leg in Lisbon.
Timber, meanwhile, remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscle-related issue following a long spell out earlier in the season. With all three players ruled out, the team is forced into significant adjustments. A win, tie or loss won’t mean the same for Arsenal against Sporting CP today.
How and when did Arsenal players get injured?
Bukayo Saka’s situation comes from an ongoing Achilles problem linked to heavy workload management, which has flared up during the closing stretch of the season.
Reports from the medical staff indicate the issue was monitored for several matches before he was ultimately ruled out of the Sporting CP tie after not being included in full training sessions ahead of kickoff.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Final match (Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard picked up a knee “niggle” during the first leg, where he was substituted and later reported discomfort that prevented him from recovering in time. Despite initial hopes, he did not return to group training.
Jurrien Timber’s case is different, as he is still recovering from a longer-term injury setback that has limited his minutes throughout the season, with Arsenal continuing to manage his return carefully to avoid relapse.
When will they return to action?
There is still no fixed return date for Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard or Jurrien Timber, with the team managing all three injuries on a short-term assessment basis ahead of a packed end to the season.
According to the latest team updates, Saka is expected to be monitored day-by-day, with Mikel Arteta previously suggesting a return could depend entirely on how he responds to workload tests rather than a set timeline.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks on during a Training Session in 2026 (Source: James Fearn/Getty Images)
Odegaard’s recovery is considered more positive, as the Arsenal captain is dealing with a knee knock. Reports indicate he is progressing well, but the club opted not to rush him back for the second leg.
Timber remains the most carefully managed case, as he continues his rehabilitation from a longer-term injury setback. Staff is taking a conservative approach, meaning his return will depend on full medical clearance.
How have they performed in the 2026 season?
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber have all been key contributors for Arsenal during the 2026 season when available, playing important roles in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Saka has been Arsenal’s main outlet in the final third throughout the season, regularly starting on the right wing and driving the team forward in transition moments.
Jurrien Timber during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match (Source: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
His game has been built around 1v1 situations, cutting inside onto his left foot and generating chances either as a scorer or provider. Odegaard has operated as the central control point of Arsenal’s midfield.
His 2026 season has been marked by high involvement in possession phases, especially in matches where Arsenal face low defensive blocks, where he is tasked with accelerating circulation and unlocking tight spaces through short combinations and final passes.
Timber’s value has been tactical rather than statistical: helping them build from the back under pressure, stepping into midfield lines during possession, and offering defensive coverage in wide transitions. Even with limited minutes, his inclusion has given flexibility in both defensive shape and build-up structure.
