Tayari News
LONDON: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to rule Captain Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber out of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
The Gunners are set to go to Wembley Stadium to lock horns with Premier League title rivals Manchester City. Arteta is on his chance to win the second major trophy since he came to Emirates as head coach.
During a press conference on Friday, March 20, 2026, Arteta confirmed that Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns following a Champions League knockout triumph over Bayer Leverkusen.
When asked if Odegaard and Timber could return this weekend, he replied: “Yeah, we have another session, let’s see.”
Ordegaard has been missing since he featured from the bench in the one-sided North London Derby demolition of Tottenham Hotspur in February. He has been nursing a knee issue initially sustained in February’s thrilling draw at Brentford when he tried to keep out the hosts’ equaliser.
After missing matches against Wigan Athletic and Wolves, Odegaard then returned to the Arsenal squad against Spurs before suffering another setback.
Arteta and his coaching team are reluctant to rush the Captain’s return. Norway boss Stale Solbakken confirmed earlier this week that he would not be calling Ordegaard up for international friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Timber, who missed the midweek victory over Leverkusen, is believed to be nursing an ankle injury which saw him substituted in the first half of the recent Premier League win versus Everton.
The full-back has since been included in Holland squad for World Cup preparation matches against Norway and Ecuador, respectively.
Timber was also spotted holding his groin prior to leaving the field against Everton, though his national team inclusion indicates there’s a firm chance he will be ready to take on City.
Arteta is facing a tough call between the sticks as Kepa Arrizabalaga is pushing to start ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Kepa has been Arsenal’s Carabao Cup stopper this season and any call to drop the Spaniard for the final would feel slightly harsh given his contribution, though it cannot be ruled out. Pep Guardiola has already confirmed James Trafford will start ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal for Manchester City.
Agencies