Saka expected to miss out this afternoon (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are expected to be without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard when they take on Sunderland in the Premier League today.
The Gunners are once again six points clear at the summit of English football and with Aston Villa and Manchester City away to Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively this weekend, that gap could be extended again.
Mikel Arteta was without Saka and Odegaard the Gunners booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Odegaard was a surprise absence from the squad with Arteta revealing ahead of kick-off his skipper had ‘felt a niggle’ in the weekend victory over Leeds United.
Saka meanwhile withdrew from the starting XI that afternoon at Elland Road just minutes before kick-off with a hip injury, sitting out of the second-leg against Chelsea last night.
Arteta revealed on Friday that Odegaard is ‘still a few days’ away and while Saka is doing ‘much better’, this weekend is expected to come too soon for him.
Jurrien Timber meanwhile missed training on Thursday but is ‘fine’ to play today, according to his manager.
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Saka was injured in the warm-up at the weekend (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal however will to be without Mikel Merino for a prolonged spell with the midfielder to undergo surgery on his foot.
Max Dowman is Arsenal’s only other absentee.
Arsenal XI to face Sunderland – Metro prediction
With Saka and Odegaard set to sit this one out, it could hand more opportunities to Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
Madueke took his chance with two assists against Leeds – Eze must take his soon.
Arsenal vs Sunderland TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 7 February.
Given that kick-off time, the match will not be televised live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
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