Arsenal Injury Update with Three Key Stars in Fitness Race to Return | OneFootball

Arsenal injury update: Odegaard, Saliba and Saka fitness latest

Arsenal are once again navigating a delicate moment in the season, with captain Martin Odegaard, defensive cornerstone William Saliba and star winger Bukayo Saka all managing fitness concerns. The timing is far from ideal, with the Champions League opener away to Athletic Club in Bilbao and a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City both looming large.

Odegaard’s recurring shoulder issue

The win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates brought three points but also renewed anxiety. Martin Odegaard lasted only 18 minutes before signalling that his right shoulder could not cope any longer. He was replaced by teenager Ethan Nwaneri, a decision that underlined the seriousness of the captain’s discomfort.

This was not the first time Odegaard had struggled with the problem. He was forced off against Leeds last month, limited in the subsequent defeat to Liverpool and then involved for Norway during the international break. Speaking after Forest, Mikel Arteta admitted the situation echoed the earlier setback.

“Yes, very similar,” Arteta said. “I don’t know if it’s exactly the same place but it’s a very similar injury. He wasn’t comfortable continuing, he’s played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today. So we have to assess him with the doctors and see but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”

Pressed on surgery, the Arsenal manager was more relaxed. “No, I don’t think that. I’m not an expert but they weren’t concerned at that level at all.”

Odegaard did not train with the squad on Monday, which makes Bilbao unlikely. His focus now is on regaining enough strength and confidence to be ready for City at the weekend.

Potential return date: Sunday 21 September vs Manchester City (H)

Photo: IMAGO

Saliba close to full return

Reports in France had suggested that William Saliba faced several weeks out after twisting his ankle in the warm-up at Anfield. He initially attempted to play against Liverpool but lasted only minutes before Cristhian Mosquera stepped in. The setback forced him out of international duty and left fans fearing the worst.

Yet Arteta surprised everyone by confirming that Saliba had trained fully ahead of the Forest game. “He trained yesterday and he did the whole session and he was OK. I spoke to him afterwards and he said I think I need a few more days. The turnaround has been too quick for the extent of the injury so when a player says that, don’t push it. I think Mosquera was very, very good.”

The Frenchman was again in full training on Monday and is targeting a return in Bilbao, a timely boost for a defence that relies heavily on his composure and anticipation.

Potential return date: Tuesday 16 September vs Athletic Club (A)

Saka making steady progress

Bukayo Saka has been absent since the 5-0 victory over Leeds in late August, when he picked up a hamstring injury. The good news is that it was not the same hamstring he had surgery on last season, which kept him out for more than three months.

Arteta remains cautious but hopeful. “Bukayo’s out and he’s trying to get back as quickly as possible, but we need to respect that process. Let’s see, he’s evolving really well, with very specific work at the moment. The moment that we increase that load, let’s see how he reacts.”

While there is no firm date for his comeback, late September is viewed as realistic. His pace and directness are irreplaceable in this Arsenal side, particularly with games stacking up in Europe and domestically.

Potential return date: Late September

Other updates

Kai Havertz continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery and is not expected back until November. Christian Norgaard has resumed training and could feature in Bilbao, while Gabriel Jesus remains a long-term absentee after ACL surgery, with December or January the most likely window for his return.

Final thoughts

For Arsenal, the injury list remains frustrating, yet not devastating. Odegaard, Saliba and Saka are all central to Arteta’s plans and the medical team will be working tirelessly to bring them back into contention without risk of further setbacks. With Athletic Club, Manchester City, Newcastle and Olympiacos all on the horizon, the squad’s depth and resilience are about to be tested once again.