Arsenal are gearing up for another decisive Premier League battle as they prepare to face Fulham this weekend, but injuries continue to cast a shadow over Mikel Arteta’s plans. The Gunners entered the international break with several key players sidelined, disrupting their momentum at a critical point in the campaign. Now, with fixtures piling up, fans are anxiously awaiting updates on the likes of captain Martin Ødegaard, new defender Piero Hincapie, and winger Noni Madueke — each at a different stage in their recovery journey.
The biggest source of worry remains Ødegaard, whose creative spark and leadership have been central to Arsenal’s midfield dominance. The Norwegian was forced to withdraw from international duty after a knee injury sustained during the 2–0 victory over West Ham. A heavy collision with Crysencio Summerville left him in significant pain, forcing an early substitution. What initially seemed like a minor issue has evolved into something more serious, with fears he could miss several crucial games in the coming weeks.
Medical reports later revealed that Ødegaard had suffered a medial collateral ligament injury. The club has not set a clear timeline for his return, which only heightens the uncertainty surrounding his recovery. Arteta, visibly concerned, explained that the captain “felt discomfort immediately” and is currently wearing a brace. Considering his earlier shoulder troubles this season, there’s growing apprehension over whether the Norwegian playmaker can maintain full fitness through the demanding months ahead.
Still, not all the news from Arsenal’s camp is gloomy. Declan Rice’s recent return for England after his own precautionary substitution against West Ham is a much-needed morale boost. His presence adds both stability and authority to Arsenal’s midfield, a vital component of Arteta’s tactical setup. The midfielder’s resilience and form have reassured supporters that at least one pillar of the team remains strong amid the injury storm.
As for Noni Madueke, the young winger’s start to life at Arsenal had shown promise before being disrupted by a knee problem in the draw against Manchester City. He was withdrawn at halftime after discomfort became too much to ignore. Arteta later clarified that Madueke’s injury was not serious but needed rest. The England international has missed a string of matches since, but optimism remains high that he could rejoin full training by early November, offering Arsenal fresh attacking flair on the wings.
Defensive reinforcement Piero Hincapie is also inching closer to his long-awaited return. The Ecuadorian, signed from Bayer Leverkusen, has featured sparingly due to a nagging groin injury. Arteta hinted before the West Ham game that Hincapie should be back after the international break, describing the timing of the previous fixture as “too soon” for his involvement. His return would come at a perfect time, as Arsenal’s back line will need depth and rotation with a hectic winter schedule approaching.
Kai Havertz, meanwhile, continues his long recovery from knee surgery. Having made only one appearance this season, the German remains weeks away from a return to action. Arteta emphasized the importance of patience in his rehabilitation process, explaining that “we’re moving from weeks to months” as they prioritize long-term recovery over short-term gains. The coach remains confident that Havertz’s professionalism will see him return in even better shape.
Gabriel Jesus’s absence also lingers like a ghost over Arsenal’s attack. The Brazilian forward, recovering from a torn ACL, has been seen doing light running and individual drills but remains a long way from full fitness. His exclusion from the Champions League squad suggests the club doesn’t expect him back before late 2025, or possibly early 2026. His injury has undeniably hurt Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and finishing efficiency.
Despite the setbacks, there’s a quiet sense of belief within Arteta’s camp. The international break has given players time to heal, while squad members like Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira have risen to the occasion in recent matches. The manager’s tactical flexibility and use of rotation have kept Arsenal competitive across all fronts.
As the Gunners prepare to face Fulham, the spotlight will be on their ability to adapt under pressure. With rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool breathing down their necks, Arsenal can’t afford another slip. Ødegaard’s uncertain recovery looms large, but with Hincapie and Madueke nearing comebacks, there’s hope that the team’s resilience and depth will carry them through this critical stretch of the season.
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