Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal resume their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night with a high-stakes encounter against Atletico Madrid, but preparations have been overshadowed by ongoing injury concerns within Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The Gunners head into the midweek fixture buoyed by a hard-fought 1–0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, a result that restored their position at the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City’s brief leapfrog earlier in the day.
The victory came without any new injury setbacks, a welcome relief for Arteta as he continues to navigate a growing list of absentees.
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Despite the positive result, Arsenal remain without several key players in training. According to reports, four first-team regulars – Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were all missing from Monday’s session as they continue to recover from various injuries. On a brighter note, Piero Hincapie is expected to return to the squad after shaking off a groin problem that sidelined him in recent weeks.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
Odegaard’s campaign has been particularly disrupted by fitness issues. The captain initially suffered a shoulder injury early in the season, before aggravating his comeback with a medial collateral ligament problem picked up against West Ham.
Speaking earlier this month, Arteta described the setback as one that would keep the Norwegian out for “weeks.” Odegaard subsequently withdrew from Norway’s international squad to focus on rehabilitation, and his absence is now expected to stretch beyond the November international break, potentially ruling him out of seven matches.
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Noni Madueke, who arrived from Chelsea during the summer window, has also endured a frustrating start to life in north London. The winger sustained a knee injury in the defeat to Manchester City, and Arteta confirmed that he remains several weeks away from full fitness.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has not featured since the opening-day victory over Manchester United. The German midfielder underwent knee surgery shortly after that match, and although Arsenal have not provided an official timeline, there is cautious optimism that he could return before the next international window if his recovery progresses as planned.
Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s longest-term absentee. The Brazilian striker has been out since tearing his ACL during January’s FA Cup loss to Manchester United. While reports suggest his rehabilitation is on track, Arteta has been careful to temper expectations, insisting the club will not rush the forward’s return to competitive action.
With Atletico Madrid looming, Arteta faces the difficult task of balancing squad depth and fitness management as Arsenal look to continue their strong form both domestically and in Europe. Despite the injury cloud, the Gunners’ recent resilience suggests they are determined to keep their momentum intact.
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