Arsenal is grappling with injury concerns for key players as the second international break begins. After losing captain Martin Ødegaard during the September international fixtures, they are now anxiously awaiting updates on Bukayo Saka, who left the pitch limping during England’s 2-1 Nations League loss to Greece at Wembley.
Additionally, Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey have also withdrawn from international duty this week, compounding the team’s injury woes. Manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to address these challenges as they strive to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, starting with a match against Bournemouth next weekend. Following that, Arsenal has a packed October schedule, which includes a home game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, a crucial match against league leaders Liverpool, and a Carabao Cup tie against Preston.
Latest Injury Updates: Bukayo Saka.
Saka started for England in a revamped lineup against Greece but suffered an injury leading up to Vangelis Pavlidis’ first goal shortly after halftime. He was substituted for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. Interim manager Lee Carsley mentioned that Saka is being evaluated, stating, “In the build-up to the first goal, you could see he felt something in his leg.” Arsenal fans are hopeful the injury isn’t serious, but his availability for the upcoming match against Bournemouth and England’s game against Finland is still uncertain.
**Potential return date:** Unknown, pending further assessment.
**Kai Havertz**
Havertz has been in excellent form for Arsenal this season, scoring six goals in all competitions, including four in his last four matches. He played a key role in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Southampton but withdrew from the Germany squad due to a precautionary knee issue. Arsenal is optimistic he will be fit for the match against Bournemouth after the international break.
**Potential return date:** October 19, vs. Bournemouth.
**Thomas Partey**
Partey, who has been playing as a makeshift right-back, withdrew from the Ghana squad due to what was initially termed “medical issues.” Reports indicate he has been dealing with illness but is expected to be ready for the Premier League match next weekend.
**Potential return date:** October 19, vs. Bournemouth.
**Martin Ødegaard**
Arsenal’s captain has been sidelined since suffering significant ankle ligament damage while on international duty with Norway. He has missed the last seven matches, but Arteta is pleased with his recovery progress. Ødegaard noted his injury is healing faster than expected, raising hopes for a return before the end of October, especially with a crucial fixture against Liverpool approaching.
**Potential return date:** Late October.
**Ben White**
White has been absent for Arsenal’s last four matches due to a groin issue but was given a chance to recover for the Southampton match. His continued progress during the international break suggests he may be available for the Bournemouth game.
**Potential return date:** October 19, vs. Bournemouth.
**Jurrien Timber**
Timber has impressed in both full-back roles but was substituted at halftime during the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain due to an unspecified issue. Like White, he could be ready to return immediately after the international break.
**Potential return date:** October 19, vs. Bournemouth.
**Oleksandr Zinchenko**
*Details on Zinchenko were not provided.*
Zinchenko is expected to return next weekend after missing the last match due to a calf injury. Arteta has expressed optimism that the Ukrainian will be fit to play, provided there are no setbacks.
**Potential return date:** October 19, vs. Bournemouth.
**Kieran Tierney**
Tierney remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024. Updates on his recovery have been limited, and there is no clear timeline for his return. Given the depth in the full-back positions, his involvement with Arsenal this season may be restricted.
**Potential return date:** Unknown.
**Neto**
While not injured, Neto is unable to play against his parent club Bournemouth due to the terms of his loan agreement. With third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford also injured, 16-year-old Jack Porter, who made headlines during his debut in the Carabao Cup, may again serve as backup to first-choice keeper David Raya.
**Potential return date:** October 22, vs. Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arsenal will be eager to have as many key players back as possible as they face a demanding schedule in the upcoming weeks.