Arsenal Handed Timely Injury Boost Ahead of Champions League Opener Against Athletic Club

Arsenal has received a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League opener, with key Athletic Club winger Nico Williams a major doubt for the upcoming clash. Mikel Arteta’s squad is gearing up for a crucial week, first returning to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest this weekend before embarking on their European journey.

European Return: A Formidable Challenge Awaits

The Gunners will travel to Bilbao on Tuesday, September 16, for their first group stage fixture against Athletic Club. While Arsenal secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Basque side during pre-season, a visit to San Mamés presents a far more formidable challenge. Athletic Club boasts an impressive home record, having lost just two La Liga matches at their fortress last season, backed by an incredibly passionate and vocal fanbase.

Williams’ Absence: A Major Blow for Athletic Club

However, Athletic Club may be forced to face Arsenal without their talismanic winger, Nico Williams. The 23-year-old sustained a “moderate” adductor injury during Spain’s emphatic 6-0 win over Türkiye on Sunday. Williams, who had already provided an assist before being withdrawn in the 44th minute, has been instrumental in Athletic’s recent successes.

Williams was a highly sought-after talent over the summer, with strong interest from Barcelona before he ultimately penned a new long-term deal with Athletic. He was also linked with Bayern Munich and has previously been rumored as a target for Arsenal. His absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow for Ernesto Valverde’s side, as he has already registered a goal and an assist in La Liga this term.

Arsenal’s Own Injury Concerns and Potential Returns

Despite the positive news regarding Williams, Arsenal themselves are not without their own injury concerns. Several key players, including Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Nørgaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba, have been nursing various ailments. The international break, however, may have provided crucial time for the club’s medical staff to rehabilitate these players, with hopes of seeing at least a couple return to fitness for the upcoming fixtures.

Mikel Arteta will be keen to have as strong a squad as possible as Arsenal embarks on their Champions League campaign, aiming to make a deep run in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. The news of Williams’ potential absence provides a psychological edge, but Arsenal must remain focused on their own preparations and overcome their injury challenges to secure a winning start.

For more updates on Arsenal’s journey and transfer rumors, stay tuned to our Sports Illustrated Soccer coverage.