Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are back in training as Arsenal gears up for a critical week featuring matches against Girona and Manchester City.
The midfield duo missed Arsenal’s win over Wolves on Saturday, with Odegaard sidelined by illness and Merino nursing a training knock. However, both were seen training on Tuesday morning, offering Mikel Arteta a timely boost.
Arsenal has already secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stages and will wrap up their league phase campaign against Girona on Wednesday. The Gunners will then host Manchester City on Sunday for another pivotal clash.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain unavailable, while Ben White continues his recovery. Myles Lewis-Skelly will be eligible to play against Girona but faces a three-match domestic suspension following a controversial red card against Wolves.
The 18-year-old was sent off by referee Michael Oliver, with VAR upholding the decision. Arteta strongly criticized the call, describing it as a “clear and obvious error” that may not even require an appeal.
“He’s happy the team won but worried about what’s next because he feels he did nothing wrong,” Arteta said.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will face Club Brugge in a must-win Champions League match before heading to north London. Jeremy Doku is ruled out, but John Stones made a successful return in their win over Chelsea on Saturday.
This week promises high-stakes action as Arsenal and City battle for supremacy in both domestic and European competitions.