Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Final squad news confirmed, Martin Odegaard back, expected line-up and injury update

The Premier League leaders have several fitness issues ahead of a London derby, including their captain

Arsenal are sweating the fitness of a number of players ahead of their Premier League away match against Fulham on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney were both ill during the week and missed Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw against Sporting in Lisbon. Leandro Trossard is also absent after a groin injury against Bournemouth last weekend.

Arsenal are hoping Odegaard and Tierney will return to the squad against Fulham, but it is unclear whether Trossard will be. Eddie Nketiah seems to have big doubts before the game, also due to an ankle injury.

Captain Odegaard fell ill earlier in the week but felt better on Wednesday and trained with the squad before flying to Lisbon.
The midfielder felt ill again on Thursday morning and had to retire from the game. He is recovering well and hopes to play against Fulham.
Striker Gabriel Jesus is back in training but Arsenal are cautiously rebuilding him after undergoing knee surgery in December.

Sunday will probably be too early for him, but there is a chance he will make a match selection for the international break in just over a week. Emile Smith Rowe pushing to start against Fulham. Reiss Nelson was picked for him on Thursday but struggled in Lisbon. Mohamed Elneny is still out.
Prediction Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Martinelli, Smith Rowe.
Sunday 2pm GMT, Sky Sports

Location: Craven Cottage

Referee: David Coot

The Arsenal squad made up of: Hein, Ramsdale, Turner; Gabriel, Holding, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Tomiyasu, White, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Vieira, Xhaka; Jesus, Martinelli, Nelson. Injured: Elneny (knee), Nketiah (ankle)

Doubts: Jesus (knee), Trossard (groin), Odegaard (sick), Tierney (sick)

Do you think Arsenal will do better with this new squad and boost they have been handed? Leave your comments…

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Arsenal received an injury boost ahead of the trip to Fulham

Arsenal were handed injury timely with Martin Odegaard available to face Fulham away tomorrow.

The Norwegian missed the midweek Europa League match at Sporting Lisbon due to illness, but was able to return to Craven Cottage.
The midfielder was spotted training with the full squad this afternoon and is likely to be part of the derby’s starting XI.

In addition to Odegaard, Kieran Tierney could also be involved in match selection, who is absent for the same reason.
However, Gabriel Jesus is unlikely to perform tomorrow. He just got back from knee surgery and won’t be in any danger anytime soon.

Mikel Arteta stressed that the Brazilian will have plenty of time on the training ground before his return.

Arsenal will be looking to extend their two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table against the Cottagers down the road.
Having Odegaard in the squad is a big plus considering he has scored nine goals and provided another seven assists in the league.