Mikel Arteta provides worrying Arsenal injury update ahead of Brighton clash | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update: Arteta Awaits Clarity on Saliba, Rice and Odegaard Fitness Concerns

Arsenal may have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, but the victory came at a cost. Mikel Arteta faces several fitness concerns ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton, with a growing list of players under medical assessment.

Saliba Concern After Palace Win

William Saliba started alongside Gabriel against Crystal Palace but was withdrawn at half-time despite showing few signs of discomfort. Arteta later confirmed the substitution was due to an issue, though he stopped short of providing detail, saying: “Willy obviously had to be out after the first half … there are two things related to his substitution.”

The French defender’s absence would be a major blow for Arsenal, given his importance in the backline. Arteta is expected to give a fuller update before the Brighton fixture.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Rice and Calafiori Join the Treatment Room

Declan Rice was also substituted in the second half after picking up a knock. Arteta explained, “Declan as well was struggling from the first half with a knock that he took … with Declan, I don’t really know because it was a knock. But I don’t know if it was the calf or the Achilles or what exactly it was.”

Riccardo Calafiori suffered a similar fate, coming off at the same time as Rice. Though details remain limited, both will undergo further assessment.

Potential return date: Unknown

Martinelli and Odegaard Updates

Gabriel Martinelli, who replaced Bukayo Saka, appeared to finish the match but was seen hobbling afterwards. Arteta said, “Yeah, I think so. We have to check that one. He was a bit uncomfortable. He said he felt something. We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not. Tomorrow we’ll have more news.”

Captain Martin Odegaard continues his recovery from a medial collateral ligament injury suffered against West Ham. “It’s tricky to set a return date with this type of injury,” he said. “Sometimes it can be quite sore when you start passing the ball and shooting and all these things with that leg, so it’s really hard to say a date.”

Odegaard is progressing well and could return for the north London derby on November 23, 2025, against Tottenham.

Madueke, Havertz and Jesus Recovery Timelines

Noni Madueke’s bright start at Arsenal was halted by a knee injury during the draw with Manchester City. Arteta confirmed, “It looks like he is going to be out for a few weeks. We don’t really know yet. Probably we are going to have to scan him next week again.”

Kai Havertz, absent since the opening weekend win over Manchester United, is nearing a comeback and could be available before the next international break.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus continues his long recovery from knee surgery. “Yeah, I’m feeling great, man. My knee’s responding very well,” said the Brazilian. “When you can see the end, it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”

Potential return dates:

Arsenal’s impressive form under Mikel Arteta continues to be tested by injury setbacks. With key fixtures looming across domestic and European competitions, the Spaniard will hope the latest injury update brings more positive news in the days ahead.