There are concerns that Arsenal are in an injury crisis and that’s by virtue of the fact that many of Mikel Arteta’s players have withdrawn from international duty and returned to N5 in the last week or so.
The fixtures are continuing to come thick and fast for the Gunners, who are still going strong in three competitions, and any injuries are just dampening their chances at success between now and the season’s end.
Pre-international break, Mikel Merino was the only long-term absentee – but the Spanish midfielder could be joined by a few.
Read More: Cristhian Mosquera reveals true feelings on Arsenal’s Premier League title chances
Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have left the England camp with an injury concern while compatriot Eberechi Eze withdrew before the Three Lions’ draw with Uruguay. Martin Zubimendi, too, is back in London.
Arsenal injury crisis? Insider reveals latest on Odegaard, Timber, Hincapie
Many are dubious about the validity of said injury concerns as they believe that Arteta and his entourage are bringing them back so they do not risk running themselves into the ground for a near-pointless friendly.
HandofArsenal, taking to X (formerly Twitter) has provided an updated round-up of the Arsenal players’ fitness with a disclaimer that timelines are, of course, subject to change.
Captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly eyeing their FA Cup tie with Southampton as his return fixture and Arteta is set to make a decision later this week.
| Date | Opponent (H/A) | Competition |
| 04/04 | Southampton (A) | FA Cup |
| 07/04 | Sporting CP (A) | Champions League |
| 11/04 | Bournemouth (H) | Premier League |
| 15/04 | Sporting CP (H) | Champions League |
| 19/04 | Manchester City (A) | Premier League |
The same goes for Timber, who missed Arsenal’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final due to injury.
On the back of advice from his national team, Martin Zubimendi left Luis de la Fuente’s squad after suffering from minor knee discomfort – and it shouldn’t come as a shock if he is granted a rest period.
Piero Hincapie has reportedly suffered a minor knock while on international duty with Ecuador. The left-back is taking ample time to rest and recover with no return stated for precautionary reasons.
Injury latest on Arsenal’s England quartet, including Saka
Rice was supposedly ‘carrying a knock’ before Arsenal’s trip to Wembley on 22 March and he returned to the Gunners’ base on the back of advice from England’s medical staff. He’s expected to be rested against Southampton.
Saka’s withdrawal is based on him being fatigued, HandofArsenal has reported. Also sent home by England’s medical team, Arteta has a tough call to make.
Although Madeuke’s injury looked severe on first glance, it’s now being described as ‘minor’ with him aiming to return for their first leg against Sporting CP or Bournemouth a few days later.
Eze is still in rehab for a lower leg injury, it has been claimed. The 27-year-old star’s situation is being treated with a slither of optimism that he could return earlier than expected.
