Four Arsenal stars set to miss Crystal Palace clash through injury | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update and Squad Outlook Ahead of Palace Clash

Arsenal are set for another pivotal moment in their Premier League campaign as they prepare to host Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta looking to maintain their place at the top of the table. Victory in south London earlier this season helped establish momentum and this weekend offers an opportunity to strengthen their three point advantage over Manchester City. With confidence high after a commanding 4,0 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid, the focus now shifts to domestic matters and crucially, to fitness concerns that continue to shape team selection.

Arsenal remain in a demanding period of fixtures, finishing October with two home matches in four days, first against Palace and then Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Arteta must again navigate key absences, with several influential figures still on the treatment table.

Odegaard’s Ongoing Recovery

Martin Odegaard has endured a stop,start season with fitness setbacks restricting his influence as captain and creative hub. A shoulder issue disrupted the early stages of his campaign, and although he featured against West Ham on his return, a medial collateral ligament problem followed and forced him out for what Arteta described as “weeks”.

Odegaard withdrew from Norway duty during the international break to accelerate his recovery. The injury is significant and could extend his layoff beyond a month, casting doubt over his match sharpness once he is cleared to return. His leadership and technical control in midfield remain vital to Arsenal’s rhythm, particularly in games where patience and precision make the difference. The current target for a comeback is November 23, 2025 at home to Tottenham, a fixture of considerable magnitude.

Potential return date, 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

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Madueke Aiming to Regain Momentum

Noni Madueke’s first months at Arsenal have also been interrupted. The summer arrival from Chelsea suffered a knee setback against Manchester City and his adaptation to Arteta’s system has been halted.

“It looks like he is going to be out for a few weeks,” said Arteta. “We don’t really know yet. Probably we are going to have to scan him next week again.

“He felt something at the beginning of the match. He tried to carry on and at half-time it was too sore, so let’s see.”

Arsenal’s wide options remain strong, but Madueke had shown encouraging signs of linking effectively with the midfield and full backs before his injury. A return in November would provide a timely boost as the fixture calendar intensifies.

Potential return date, November 2025

Havertz Nearing Key Stage of Rehab

Kai Havertz has not featured since the opening day victory over Manchester United after undergoing knee surgery. Arteta has remained guarded on the timeline for his return, although there is quiet optimism that progress could allow involvement before the November international window. The technical versatility Havertz brings will be welcome, particularly when adjusting match plans against low blocks or high pressing opponents.

Potential return date, November 2025

Jesus Building Back After ACL Layoff

Gabriel Jesus has been unavailable since January following an ACL injury, a long term absence that required patience and careful rehabilitation. Positive updates have emerged, yet Arteta remains mindful of the physical and psychological demands of returning from such a setback.

Arteta said, “Gabi is doing super well. I think he looks in a really good place. Obviously, it’s a massive injury, and we need to come from that in a really strong way, but certainly he’s in the right place and making very strong strides.”

His dynamism, aggression in pressing and penalty area movement are qualities Arsenal have missed, and a late 2025 return would provide valuable depth in attack ahead of the season’s decisive stage.

Potential return date, Late 2025