Mikel Arteta has given another update on his squad’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Sunderland.

Bukayo Saka missed the 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea due to a hip problem, but the manager is hopeful that he will be able to use our winger in the near future.

“His back is feeling much better and we hope he’ll be back with us soon,” the coach said at Sober Realty Training Center.

Martin Odegaard also missed Wednesday’s London derby win, but like Bukayo, Mikel is confident his captain will be back soon, adding: “Martin is getting better again. We believe it’s just a matter of a few days.”

The manager also confirmed that Julian Timber will be available for selection at the Emirates Stadium this weekend despite missing Thursday’s opening training session.

The only injury concern in the first team is Mikel Merino, as Bukayo and Martin are close to returning to the team and Julien is also ready. He will be out of action for a long time due to a foot injury.

“Obviously it’s a big blow,” admitted the manager. “Mikel offers a unique presence to the team, but unfortunately he will be out for several months with a very rare injury.

“We need to support him and make sure he is well connected to the team, because he can still add a lot of value to the players and the staff and have him around.”

While we have lost Mikel for the next few months, Kai Havertz has performed excellently since returning to the team.

The German forward has scored two goals in three games, including the memorable winning goal against Chelsea last time out, and the manager is happy with the performance of our striker.

“We’re really happy to have him,” Mikel added. “Again, he offers something very different to the team and is able to combine it. It’s very impressive and great to show the level he showed so soon after such a long injury.”