Odegaard and Madueke injury updates boost Arsenal squad | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update: Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapie Latest

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City brought both relief and concern. Relief came in the form of Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser and the return of Bukayo Saka, but the concerns centred on fresh injury setbacks for Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and summer signing Piero Hincapie.

Martin Odegaard battling shoulder setback

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has once again been sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Norwegian midfielder had only recently recovered from a similar problem before being forced off after just 18 minutes against Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta described the setback as “very similar” to the issue Odegaard suffered in August against Leeds United. Writing in his programme notes before the Manchester City clash, Odegaard admitted his frustration.

Photo: IMAGO

He said: “My shoulder was very sore, but I’ve just been taking it day by day this week, working hard to hopefully be ready in time for today’s game. It’s the same shoulder that I hurt in the Leeds United game, pretty much the same injury again, so it’s just really bad luck.

“The first injury had healed really well, I was over it – but then the same thing happened again. It had never happened to me in 11 years, but then it happens twice in two weeks so it’s a strange one, and very unfortunate.”

Despite his determination, Arteta later confirmed Odegaard “wasn’t fit enough to be [on the bench]”. His potential return is pencilled in for the trip to Newcastle on 28 September, although Arsenal supporters will hope their captain can recover in time.

Noni Madueke concern after bright display

Noni Madueke looked sharp during the first half against Manchester City, providing a spark in attack when others struggled. However, his performance was cut short at half-time, raising questions about his fitness.

Arteta explained the decision post-match: “He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue.”

No timeframe has been given for Madueke’s return, but the winger’s absence would be a blow for Arsenal as he was beginning to integrate smoothly into the attack. Supporters will be eager for an update in the coming days.

Piero Hincapie absence raises questions

Summer recruit Piero Hincapie was a surprise omission from the squad against Manchester City, having featured briefly in midweek against Athletic Club. Asked about his absence, Arteta offered little detail: “Martin Odegaard wasn’t fit enough to be [on the bench], Piero as well, he’s out of the squad, but thankfully we have Bukayo [Saka] back. That’s what we want, we have a strong bench.”

The Ecuadorian defender’s return date is still unknown, leaving Arsenal light in defensive options as the fixtures pile up.

Other Arsenal injury updates

Kai Havertz continues to recover from knee surgery. Arteta revealed the midfielder is now “walking freely” and beginning light training, with a realistic comeback expected in November.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, remains on the long road back from anterior cruciate ligament surgery. He has started ball work but is not expected to return to full training until December or January, and was therefore omitted from Arsenal’s Champions League squad for the first phase.