Arteta Offers Arsenal Injury Update Ahead Of Bayern Showdown, Berbatov Issues Title Race Warning

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared positive news on the fitness of several key players ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners head into the fixture in superb form after winning all four of their group matches so far, and they have done it without conceding a single goal. With Bayern arriving in London, Arteta is hoping to keep that momentum going, and he may have important reinforcements available.

Captain Martin Odegaard is edging closer to full involvement, while Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are also in contention. Speaking during his media duties, Arteta confirmed that decisions will be made shortly.

“Yeah, they are [Madueke and Martinelli in contention to start], and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin [Odegaard],” Arteta said.

“He was very close to the previous game. We are confident he can be in the squad as well.”

Away from Europe, the conversation around the Premier League title race continues to grow after Arsenal opened a six-point lead at the top following their emphatic 4-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday. They could stretch that advantage to nine points when they travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes the festive period will reveal how strong Arsenal really are. He also warned that the race is far from predictable.

“Of course Liverpool are low in the table and Man City are dropping points, but there are other teams like Chelsea who can surprise people,” Berbatov told ESPN.

“Six points is a good cushion but in the Premier League it’s nothing and can go very quickly.”