Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an encouraging injury update prior to the Gunners’ mouth-watering Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal prepare for Bayern Munich amid injury doubts
Arteta’s side welcome Bayern to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in what promises to be a defining European encounter, with the Premier League title favourites riding high following their dominant 4-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham last weekend.
Arsenal delivered a masterclass against their bitter rivals, showcasing the attacking fluidity and defensive solidity that has characterised their strongest displays this season.
That emphatic win not only reinforced Arsenal’s credentials as top title contenders domestically, but also provided the perfect psychological boost ahead of this crucial European test.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
Arsenal’s preparation has been complicated by several injury concerns, with captain Martin Odegaard still touch and go after failing to make the matchday squad for Spurs.
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Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke returned to the side on Sunday following their respective injuries with both men ready to play a part tonight, as did Riccardo Calafiori, but Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus were all nowhere to be seen.
Arteta may well be forced to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift number nine once again, a challenge the Spaniard has relished throughout 2025, with this game still coming too soon for Jesus.
That being said, Arteta has some good news about the Brazil international.
Gabriel Jesus in line for 'earlier than expected' Arsenal injury return
According to Arsenal’s manager, speaking in his pre-Bayern press conference, the 28-year-old’s recovery is actually further along than expected, and he’s about to be knocking on the door.
Jesus hasn’t played a single minute since rupturing his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United in January, so it is approaching a year since he was last able to take part.
The former Man City star is on record stating this is the worst injury he’s ever had, and Jesus was repeatedly linked with a winter window exit following the arrival of Gyokeres in the summer.
Jesus, though, has poured cold water over the possibility of a transfer multiple times recently, even though he confirmed his intention to one day return to Palmeiras.
Arteta, meanwhile, has also said that he’s looking forward to welcoming Arsenal’s ‘unpredictable’ weapon back into the fold.