Martin Ødegaard
January 2026
Odegaard was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad against Chelsea and was not even on the bench. Arteta said he had picked up an untimely knock before kickoff, forcing a reshuffle. Eze started in the No.10 role, with Arsenal opting not to risk Odegaard after the late issue emerged.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
KSI said Saka is Arsenal’s most important player and argued Gyokeres still improves the team despite modest scoring numbers since his move. He claimed Gyokeres functions as a “magnet” that draws defenders and creates space for Saka, Trossard, and Odegaard, so Arsenal look better with him on the pitch.
Eberechi Eze
January 2026
Mikel Arteta has challenged Eberechi Eze after leaving him out in recent league matches despite his strong early-season impact following a £60m move from Crystal Palace. Eze has not played in Arsenal’s last three Premier League games. Arteta said he manages minutes based on physical and emotional state, pointing to Eze playing more football than ever at this stage of a season. With Trossard and Odegaard preferred recently, Eze must raise certain elements to force his way back in.
Mikel Arteta
December 2025
City briefly went top after a late Cherki winner at Forest, but Arsenal reclaimed first place by edging Brighton 2-1, with Odegaard’s early strike and a Rutter own goal enough despite Gomez pulling one back to set up a nervous finish at the Emirates. Arteta admitted feeling “hacked off” by last season’s home draw with Brighton but praised his side’s resilience despite another unconvincing display. He insisted Arsenal are ready to push City all the way, treating routine-looking games as must-win tests in a title race decided by tiny margins.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
November 2025
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken signalled Odegaard remains “some distance away” after an MCL injury on October 4. Initial six-week hopes have faded, raising doubts over a swift club return despite the captain joining Norway in a non-playing, rehab-only capacity during the break. Odegaard continues structured rehab with national-team medics in Oslo then Milan. Arsenal had already adapted without him after earlier shoulder issues. Timelines are now fluid; progression metrics and response to loading will dictate when Arteta can reintroduce him to full training.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
October 2025
Odegaard suffered medial collateral ligament damage against West Ham and is unlikely back before late November. He was withdrawn before halftime in three straight league matches this season after earlier shoulder issues versus Leeds and Nottingham Forest, compounding Arsenal’s creative burden.
Arteta must redistribute chance creation across his front five and eights while protecting the league lead. Medical guidance points to six to eight weeks depending on severity. Arsenal face Fulham, Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague, and Sunderland without their captain.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
August 2025
Bukayo Saka will miss up to four weeks with a hamstring injury, while Martin Ødegaard is doubtful with a shoulder issue ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Anfield. The absences pile pressure on Mikel Arteta before facing reigning champions Liverpool.
Arteta confirmed Saka avoided surgery but admitted recurring hamstring problems are a “big concern.” Odegaard is racing to prove fitness, while Arsenal also miss Kai Havertz after knee surgery. With seven potential absentees, Arteta insists the squad must cope to challenge Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
August 2025
Bukayo Saka will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool. Martin Odegaard is also a doubt after hurting his shoulder against Leeds but should avoid a lengthy layoff. Scans revealed Saka’s issue was less severe than feared, but his absence remains a major blow. Odegaard was seen in a sling, raising doubts for Anfield. Arsenal will lean on new signings Gyokeres and Eze to offset their captain and star winger’s losses.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
August 2025
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fears long absences for Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka after both exited their 5-0 win against Leeds with injuries. Odegaard limped off early, while Saka pulled up after the break with a suspected hamstring issue. Already without Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s midfield depth is stretched thin. Tests will confirm severity, but Arteta admitted concern. With Liverpool looming, the absence of his captain and star winger could derail early title momentum.
Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
August 2025
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice in Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Leeds, celebrating by touching his hair in response to trolls mocking his debut. The striker dismissed doubts with a penalty and mask celebration turned pointed gesture. Gyokeres, who struggled in his opener, found form at the right time as Arsenal face Liverpool next. Injuries to Saka and Odegaard may complicate Arteta’s plans, making Gyokeres’ resurgence crucial.
