Key Takeaways:
- Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurriën Timber missed today’s training session for Arsenal
- Jurriën Timber’s absence surprised observers after his full 90-minute appearance in the derby against Chelsea two days ago
- There remains a possibility that Ødegaard and Timber will be fit for selection against Sunderland on Saturday
Squad Update: Key Arsenal Players Miss Training
Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurriën Timber were all absent from the Arsenal squad’s first training session of the day. Saka has remained sidelined after suffering an injury during the warm-up ahead of the fixture against Leeds. Hopes persist that he will recover ahead of the eagerly-anticipated North London derby versus Tottenham in a few weeks’ time. Ødegaard was also not present, having missed the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea owing to injury.
🚨 Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard were not involved in Arsenal’s open training this morning.
Jurrien Timber was also absent. @SamBIitz pic.twitter.com/ZBsPAhHFKi
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) February 5, 2026
Surprise Omission: Timber Absent After Full Derby Performance
Jurriën Timber’s non-appearance at training came as a particular surprise, especially since he completed the full 90 minutes in the derby against Chelsea just two days prior.
Injury Outlook for the Sunderland Fixture
Despite these recent setbacks, there still exists an opportunity for both Ødegaard and Timber to make a return to the Premier League-leading squad for Saturday’s match against Sunderland. Further clarification regarding their fitness will be provided by manager Mikel Arteta during his customary pre-match press conference.
