Arsenal will open their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League journey on Tuesday, September 16, with an away fixture against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to improve on last season’s semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Arteta stressed that the team’s self-belief and recent performances make this campaign an opportunity to rewrite Arsenal’s European story. The club’s best finish in the competition remains the 2006 runner-up spot against Barcelona.
Injury Setbacks for the Gunners
Arsenal travel to Spain with a depleted squad. Captain Martin Ødegaard will miss the tie after picking up a shoulder injury during the 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, which forced him off early.
He joins Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz on the injury list, creating a stern test of the squad’s depth and flexibility.
Probable Arsenal Line-Up
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino
- Forwards: Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke
Athletic Bilbao Expected XI
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Adama Boiro
- Midfielders: Mikel Vesga, Mikel Jauregizar, Oihan Sancet, Roberto Navarro
- Forwards: Iñaki Williams, Álex Berenguer
Arteta Targets a Strong Start
Despite the injury crisis, Arteta insists Arsenal have the quality and tactical options to start their group-stage campaign positively. Bilbao, still looking for consistency in La Liga, are expected to offer a stern challenge on home soil.
A positive result in Spain would set the tone for Arsenal’s bid to go one step further in Europe this season.
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