Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury update on Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber ahead of Community Shield clash with Manchester City

Mikel Arteta has delivered positive news regarding Arsenal's injury situation ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash against Manchester City in Cardiff, confirming that Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will be available for selection. However, the Arsenal manager has also offered a detailed update on Jurrien Timber's ongoing recovery, with the defender continuing his rehabilitation programme and unavailable for the upcoming fixture.

Saka and Rice Return to Contention

Addressing his squad's fitness ahead of the Community Shield, Arteta confirmed that several key players have returned from their respective injury concerns and will be involved against Manchester City. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the manager revealed that Saka, Rice and new signing Martin Zubimendi will feature in the match. "They will be available they trained with us today they will train tomorrow and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be they will be involved," Arteta stated.

The Arsenal manager also expressed satisfaction with the condition of his squad following the summer break. "Most of them came back earlier than expected really fit with all the testing and they all seem in great condition," he noted. The return of such influential figures represents a significant boost for Arsenal as they prepare to open their season with a trophy opportunity.

Timber's Cautious Rehabilitation

While Saka's availability is confirmed, Timber remains unavailable as he works his way back from a long-term injury. Arteta confirmed that the Dutch international will miss the Community Shield but outlined an optimistic recovery trajectory. "Jurrien is progressing really well," the manager reported. "He is on the pitch we are ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load I think he is on a good trajectory but there is still a few weeks to go."

The Arsenal boss revealed that the club is implementing a measured approach to Timber's return to full training, with the defender expected to integrate back into group sessions in the coming week or so. "We have to wait and see He needs to start to train with the group in the next week or so hopefully and then see how he progresses from there It's been a long-term issue and we want to make sure that every step that we take is the right one he feels right to do that because he's such an important player for us," Arteta explained, underlining Arsenal's cautious stance on the defender's progression.

Saliba's Extended Absence

William Saliba will also be unavailable for the Community Shield fixture. Arteta confirmed that the centre-back is facing a more significant injury concern, describing his situation as a long-term problem that will keep him sidelined beyond the opening match of the campaign.

Transfer Market Reinforcements

In light of the defensive injury concerns, Arsenal have begun negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen as they seek additional cover in defence. Arteta remained guarded on specific transfer targets but confirmed the club's wider ambitions. "I am not going to talk about an individual but what I can obviously tell you is about the ambition of the club It is big that we want to improve the squad we want to evolve the squad in order to achieve We have detected some areas that they can be a strength in - that is what we are trying to do," the manager said.

Gunners legend Alan Smith has highlighted the importance of Saka rediscovering his goal-scoring form this season. Smith told GOAL that Saka managed just 11 goals across all competitions in the previous campaign, marking his lowest return in five years. Having reached the 20-goal mark in 2023-24 and hit 21 goals across all competitions last term, Saka's contribution will be vital to Arsenal's challenge. "It is so important for Bukayo Saka to get back among the goals for Arsenal on a regular basis in 2026-27," Smith said, adding that "I don't think there's any reason why he shouldn't return to his best form."

Smith also noted that Saka had sat out 40 games for club and country over the last two seasons, with his World Cup campaign in the summer of 2026 being impacted by fitness issues.