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Arsenal begin their UEFA Champions League group stage facing Athletic Club with key players sidelined and promising newcomers set to debut amid ongoing injury challenges.
- Athletic Club host Arsenal at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for their UEFA Champions League opener at 6:45 p.m. local time.
- This match marks Athletic's first Champions League since 2014-15 and follows a weekend defeat at home with key player Nico Williams ruled out due to a groin injury sustained on Spain duty.
- Arsenal come in strong despite missing five players including Odegaard with a shoulder issue, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka, but William Saliba could return, and they recently beat Athletic 3-0 in a pre-season friendly.
- Mikel Arteta, from the Basque Country and a former Real Sociedad youth, said, "We haven't won it yet. But that's the opportunity," emphasizing the team's focus and connection to the region ahead of the game.
- The match poses a significant test for both sides, with Athletic seeking a strong home performance and Arsenal aiming to continue positive form after three wins in four domestic games, implying high stakes for both in the group stage.
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UCL 2025–26: Mikel Arteta Urges Arsenal To Rewrite UEFA Champions League History Ahead of Athletic Club Clash | ⚽ LatestLY
Arsenal’s skipper suffered a shoulder injury in their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and was substituted for Ethan Nwaneri after 18 minutes. Ben hasn't featured since starting at Old Trafford on August 17, with Bukayo going off against Leeds United on August 23. ⚽ UCL 2025–26: Mikel Arteta Urges Arsenal To Rewrite UEFA Champions League History Ahead of Athletic Club Clash.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 33%
C 45%
R 22%
Factuality
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