Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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The Gunners’ 2025-26 campaign has started strongly. Arsenal lead the Premier League, conceding just three goals in 12 matches.
New signings Eze and Gyokeres shine brightly. Defensive solidity and squad depth keep Arteta’s men atop despite challenges. Injuries, however, threaten to derail momentum with Crystal Palace up next.
Gabriel Magalhaes faces a race against time for Sunday’s match. The centre-back limped off during Arsenal’s midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
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Arteta confirmed a thigh issue sidelined him from Friday’s training. “We’ll assess him in the next 24 hours,” the manager noted. His absence could force a defensive reshuffle against Palace’s physical forwards.
Martin Odegaard remains a significant loss in midfield. The captain suffered a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham last week. Scans suggest a six-week recovery, ruling him out until mid-November.
However a recent Instagram post from the Arsenal captain suggests he is ahead of schedule. His creative spark is sorely missed in Arsenal’s attacking setup. Fans await his return to restore midfield fluency.
Huge positive update on the Arsenal captain as Martin Ødegaard steps up his recovery from an MCL injury.
Comeback pending… 🔜🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/H9ROqhBz87
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 25, 2025
Noni Madueke’s knee injury adds to Arsenal’s attacking concerns. The winger, signed to bolster wide options, faces another week on the sidelines.
His absence stretches the squad amid a packed schedule. Arteta praised the team’s adaptability but admitted injuries test depth. Madueke’s pace could’ve troubled Palace’s defense.
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Kai Havertz battles a persistent knee problem limiting his impact. The forward managed under 45 Premier League minutes this season before injury struck. The German is expected to return to full first-team training within the next two weeks, which would be a huge boost for Arsenal.
Havertz’s versatility in attack is crucial for Arteta’s system. His absence forces reliance on Viktor Gyokeres who has scored five goals so far this season.
Gabriel Jesus endures the toughest blow with a long-term knee injury. The Brazilian striker has seen just two weeks of action in 2025. Repeated setbacks hamper his hold-up play and goal threat. Arteta remains optimistic, noting all four players are “progressing well.” None, however, will feature against Palace tomorrow.
Arsenal’s backups, like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, must step up. The squad’s resilience has weathered 12 forward injuries since March.
Palace, reeling from a midweek loss, presents a trap game. Victory cements Arsenal’s title credentials despite the injury crisis.
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