Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on the fitness of numerous Arsenal players ahead of their Champions League encounter with Athletic Bilbao. Shortly after their squad aircraft touched down in the Basque Country, the Gunners boss addressed reporters at a press conference on Monday.

The team conducted their initial training session earlier in the day, which included Christian Norgaard and saw the comeback of William Saliba. Nevertheless, there were nearly half a dozen significant absentees. Those missing included Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard has picked up a 'minor issue', according to football.london, representing a fresh injury setback for the side.

Arteta provided an update on his condition and that of several other players whilst speaking in Bilbao on Monday evening.

When questioned whether Odegaard was fit, he responded: "No." He also stated, "Gabby, Kai, Ben and Martin are still out, unfortunately."

Arteta subsequently confirmed that Odegaard has not travelled with the squad and is instead remaining back home in London. When asked whether there was news on Saka, he acknowledged there was not.

"No, I think he'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."

Arteta also discussed the prospect of rotation in the Champions League now that the league phase is commencing.

"Yes, well, it will depend upon the availability of the squad; the form of the players," he said.

"Now, unfortunately, we have a few players already out, so that is already limited in certain positions.

"But hopefully, we come to the point that the competition and the level of performance of the players is that high that we are able to do that very efficiently to win more football matches; that's the objective."

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