Arteta’s updates on Odegaard, Trossard and Timber | Press conference | News

Mikel Arteta has given an update on the fitness of Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard ahead of our clash against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Jurrien was subbed off in the first half during our victory over Everton at the weekend, with Martin and Leo both missing the clash against the Toffees, as well as the round of 16 first leg in Germany.

However, Mikel gave positive news about the return of our Belgian attacker.

Asked about Trossard’s availability, he said: “He’s okay, he felt good so he’s available.”

But the boss revealed that his captain and Timber will both miss the second leg at Emirates Stadium.

With the Carabao Cup final just around the corner, Mikel was asked whether Odegaard could lead us out at Wembley against Manchester City.

He said: “So we’re really pushing, he really wants to try to be available, but we’ll have to wait and see in the next few days when he trains with the team how he feels. We know the game that we’re going to be playing in a few days again, and the more players that we have the better.”

When asked the same question about Jurrien’s availability for Sunday, he added: “We don’t know, I think with him it will be a matter of days, but not sure.”

Jurrien was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera during the win over Everton.

Ben White was also in the squad for the last two matches after picking up an injury in the FA Cup fourth round against Wigan Athletic.

When asked about his fitness and returning to the pitch, Mikel said: “Yeah, he’s in a much better place, he’s been very unlucky this season in certain moments,  he had very, very good moments as well throughout the season, so yeah, we need everybody available, we know what Ben gives us when he’s at his best, and he trained today, he feels good, so we need everybody’s contribution.”