Arsenal currently sit on top of the Premier League table with 22 points, having won 7 games, drawn 1 and losing just 1 game so far. They have also conceded only 3 goals in 9 games, the only team to do so. They also have the most number of set-piece goals scored this season, followed by Chelsea, in the 2nd place. Once again, their dominant defensive display was on show against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where a lead of just of 1 goal, scored by the former Eagle, Eberechi Eze himself, was enough to seal the victory and get those 3 points to move into the top of the table.
Having said that, the recent clash against Crystal Palace served as a stark and painful reminder of football’s unforgiving nature. Bukayo Saka, though confirmed to be suffering from illness rather than a new injury, was withdrawn in the 66th minute for Gabriel Martinelli. Mikel Arteta also confirmed that as a result of his illness, he missed some training sessions leading up to the game.
More alarming were the substitutions of prominent defenders William Saliba, who was taken off at half-time itself, and Riccardo Calafiori, who departed the pitch with what looked like to be some muscle discomfort.
Nothing obvious in-game mechanism suggested a major injury for Sailba so he should be alright. Even Calafiori walked off as if there was not any major issue to be noticed, which usually means muscle fatigue/tightness. Saliba’s importance to Arsenal’s backline cannot be stressed enough and any extended absence would be a huge blow.
Potential return dates:
William Saliba: Yet to be known
Ricardo Calafiori: Yet to be known
In midfield, Declan Rice sustained a knock that occurred earlier in the game and had to be substituted as a result, casting a concern over his availability for upcoming matches. Speaking about Declan Rice, Arteta said the following:
“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.”
Potential return date: Yet to be known
The image of Gabriel Martinelli after a late cameo only fuelled the growing unease, with fears of a muscle ailment for the left winger.
When asked about the status of the injury to Martinelli, Arteta said:
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, so tomorrow we’ll have more news.
Potential return date: Yet to be known
These further issues compound an already crumbling injury situation. Captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined with a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) knee injury, with his return still doubtful, albeit a ray of hope lingers for a late November recovery. Newcomer Noni Madueke is also sidelined with a knee problem, who is anticipated back in the coming weeks. The creative hole left by Kai Havertz, recovering from minor knee surgery, is also acutely felt.
Potential return dates:
Martin Ødegaard: 23rd November 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Noni Madueke: November 2025
Kai Havertz: November 2025
Perhaps the most notable long-term absentee is Gabriel Jesus, whose ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) knee injury continues to keep him out, with a return not likely until the very end of 2025 or early 2026. While Jesus is making tremendous progress, his lengthy absence has definitely hurt the team’s attacking fluidity and goal-scoring threat.
Potential return date: Late 2025
Arsenal play Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates stadium in the next round of Carabao Cup on Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal fans and Mikel Arteta, in particular, will be hopeful of some positive news about the injuries/knocks sustained to the players from the weekend. Perhaps, one thing remains clear that, with the arrival so many new faces in the summer, with the likes of Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze, etc, Arsenal do have the depth this time out to compensate for the injury issues.
