Arsenal's injury concerns
Coach Mikel Arteta said Noni Madueke could be out for a few weeks, although it was previously reported that the winger would be out for about two months with a knee injury.
The Englishman had to leave the pitch right before the half-time break in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Madueke was replaced by Bukayo Saka, who has just returned from a hamstring injury.
"It looks like he will be out for a few weeks. We will have to take a photo shoot next week. He felt pain from the start of the match, and by the halfway point the pain became excessive" - Mikel Arteta shared about Madueke's injury.
When asked if Madueke will be out for weeks or months, Mikel Arteta replied: "We hope for just a few weeks. We will have to check him again, but the situation is not too bad.
He was very disappointed and depressed, because he was in a good state. He has maintained his consistency and high form, looking like a big threat to the opponent."
Madueke's absence means Arsenal have suffered at least one injury in every Premier League game this season. At the same time, the total number of injuries suffered by their strikers in the past 9 months has reached 12.
Saka suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace at the end of December last year and then continued to return in the second match of this season. Gabriel Jesus has been out for a long time with a knee injury, which has limited him to around two weeks since the start of the year.
Kai Havertz has not improved from two serious injuries, playing less than 45 minutes in the Premier League in the past 6 months and having a hard time returning before November. In addition, Gabriel Martinelli will be out for a month from February to March due to hamstring injuries, coinciding with Saka, Havertz and Jesus.
A total of 12 injuries in 2025, matching the number of goals Arsenal's strikers have scored since March.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta were criticised for their cautious play in the draw with Man City last weekend. However, the match against Palace last December was the last time Mikel Arteta had enough striker personnel to choose from.
At that time, the Spaniard had put everyone in the starting lineup, even letting Havertz play in midfield, while Rice had to sit on the bench. As a result, Arsenal won 5-1, with goals scored by Havertz, Jesus and Martinelli.
When will Havertz and Odegaard return?
The Gunners' injury concerns may ease with Odegaard's return. The Norwegian midfielder will attend Arsenal's next Premier League match, a trip to Newcastle.
The Arsenal captain has suffered an injury to the same shoulder in two consecutive home games, but Mikel Arteta reassured him: "No need for surgery. He's okay. He's training, just a few days off."
Meanwhile, Havertz may have to miss a long time out. "For Havertz, we know it will take months. I don't know if it's a few weeks or not, because Havertz is a special case. Hopefully he will soon return and continue to play for a long time. He is improving very well at the moment," Mikel Arteta shared.
Also in a state of injury, the rookie signed on the last day of this year's summer transfer window, Piero Hincapie, is struggling with a groin injury. However, Mikel Arteta insists the Colombian defender's condition is temporary.
"He has a minor injury to his groin. We will assess the situation in the next few days. There has been an adjustment in the training volume, because he has not had a full pre-season. I think this is just a short-term injury" - the Spanish captain added.
