Arsenal duo ruled out of Champions League opener – but Saliba could return

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has been ruled out of the Champions League clash with Athletic Club.

The midfielder suffered another shoulder injury in the win over Nottingham Forest and has not travelled with the group.

Ben White will also miss out through injury, along with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as they continue their recovery from longer-term problems.

On Saka’s recovery, Arteta said: “I think there’s still quite a lot of things to go through.

“Very early to understand when, which week, he’s going to be available. But he will certainly be pushing to be available as quick as possible.”

William Saliba could return, however, after taking part in training ahead of the game.