Mikel Arteta’s squad has been hampered by injuries to key players, and the latest updates will do little to lift spirits at the Emirates. With both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking options are looking increasingly stretched ahead of their crucial round of 16 ties.

Mikel Arteta has ruled Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli out until April, meaning Arsenal will enter the Champions League last 16 without any of their first-choice front four. Saka has been missing since undergoing hamstring surgery in December and Martinelli has been absent since the start of February.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s medical staff are meeting on Thursday as they seek to define the timelines of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s return from injuries.Martinelli and Saka are currently both on the sidelines due to hamstring injuries,