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Arsenal could be without JurrienTimber for this weekend’s clash with Sunderland after he missed training. The Dutchman played the full 90 minutes of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea in midweek.

But he was not seen on Thursday as Mikel Arteta’s side stepped up their preparations for Saturday afternoon’s clash with Sunderland. At this stage, it is unclear whether Timber has picked up an injury or if his absence is simply a precaution.

Timber has made 35 appearances for the North London side this season, having joined from Dutch side Ajax back in 2023. And the defender might not be the only player that Arsenal will be without for this weekend’s game.

Bukayo Saka was missing on Tuesday night against Chelsea, with Arteta offering an update on the England man. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “He’s okay, we need to have more tests tomorrow to understand how he is. This game was too short. Let’s hope that it’s not too much.”

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Captain Martin Odegaard was also missing in the win against Chelsea and now faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s game, having also been absent from training.

Speaking about the Norwegian playmaker, Arteta said: “During the game [against Leeds], he felt a little niggle. We tried yesterday, he wasn’t comfortable. So let’s see if he’s available for the weekend [against Sunderland], hopefully.”

One man who is firmly back in contention is forward Kai Havertz. The German has scored in each of his last two cup appearances following his return from a long-term injury layoff.

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And it was his goal against former side Chelsea that rubber-stamped Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup final. Speaking about the forward on Tuesday evening, Arteta said: “Super. I think not only me.

“I think everybody who knows Kai a little bit feels genuinely happy for him in a special way, because he deserves the best. The way he works, the way he treats people, the way he behaves every single day. And today was a special moment for him. And I hope that he enjoyed it, because he fully deserves that.”

Arsenal could potentially extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points with victory against Sunderland and results go for them. Nearest rivals Manchester City are not in action until Sunday as they take on reigning champions Liverpool.

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