Big boost for Arsenal with injured duo in training before Man City final
Arsenal have been handed a big boost with Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber spotted in training ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday.
Odegaard and Timber were recently sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, respectively, and they were absent from Friday’s training session. In his pre-match press conference, manager Mikel Arteta said that the pair would be assessed on Saturday to determine their availability.
The Gunners have now received a timely boost with the duo spotted in training. Standard Sport have disclosed pictures where Odegaard and Timber are visibly present. That does not guarantee their inclusion in the matchday squad, and a final decision could be made tomorrow.
Odegaard has played less than 20 minutes of first-team football since his knee injury against Brentford. Eberechi Eze has stepped up in his absence from the number 10 position and recently made the headlines with a powerful strike from the edge of the box against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Englishman scored a memorable debut Champions League goal to break the deadlock in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie. Arsenal went on to win 2-0. They secured their berth in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate victory over the German heavyweights.
Eze has got into his groove after a difficult few months. The 27-year-old is brimming with confidence and should start in the attacking midfield position tomorrow, regardless of Odegaard’s fitness.
Eze has fond memories of facing Man City, having previously provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic late equaliser in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium back in September.
Hence, he should make the starting XI ahead of Odegaard, who could make a cameo appearance if required. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber would be an assured starter at right-back if fit.
The Dutchman has nailed down the full-back position ahead of Ben White due to his stronger defensive traits. Some fans feel White has better chemistry with Bukayo Saka on the right flank, but Arteta has consistently preferred Timber for the right-back role when available for selection.
The former Ajax graduate looks poised to return to the starting XI for the League Cup final. Arsenal will aim to lift their first major silverware since the 2020 FA Cup when they take on Man City.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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