Arsenal hit by crushing double injury blow ahead of Champions League opener against Athletic Club

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Arsenal have reportedly been hit with a double injury blow ahead of their Champions League opener against Athletic Club. The Gunners have been branded as one of the favourites to win this season's competition but they will be without two talisman early on.

Arsenal without Saka and Odegaard

According to ESPN, Arsenal are set to be without captain Martin Odegaard and winger Bukayo Saka for Tuesday's trip to Athletic Club. The former came off with a shoulder injury in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and Saka has been out with a hamstring problem since August 23. 

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Injury concerns mount for Arsenal

Arsenal keenly felt the loss of the injured Saka for much of last season as their bid to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 came up short. The report adds that alongside Odegaard - who also struggled with injuries last term - and Saka, defender Ben White missed first-team training on Monday with a 'minor issue'. 

Arsenal are 'one of the favourites'

Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde said on Monday that he considers the north London side to be one of the favourites to win this season's Champions League.

"Arsenal are totally focused on this match," he said. "They are one of the favourites to win the Champions League thanks to their technical and tactical ability, and the winning spirit that Arteta has instilled in them. It's the start of the Champions League and we're playing against a high-level opponent, the kind that Bilbao likes, but we have to be very careful and take advantage of opportunities. Arsenal won't be forgiving."

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Arsenal's next fixture: A tough test in Spain

Mikel Arteta's side begin the league phase of their Champions League campaign away to last season's Europa League semi-finalists. This will be a difficult match for the Gunners but if they can come through it, it may give them a lot of belief going forwards.