Arsenal currently have a number of players nursing injury concerns.
Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey are all currently sidelined.
Mikel Arteta has been without Odegaard since the last international break, when he picked up a knock whilst representing Norway.
Whilst Arsenal have coped well in the playmaker’s absence, they will be eager to get their captain back in action as quickly as possible.
However, Arteta isn’t willing to rush the former Real Madrid man at the risk of inflicting further damage. Arsenal believe Odegaard will be fully fit by Christmas. He is expected to return to the pitch before then, but the club accept that he will need to time to build his fitness back up even once he is back in action.
Meanwhile, Havertz has withdrawn from international duty with a knee complaint. The German striker has been in sensational form so far this season, and Arsenal won’t want to take unnecessary risks with him. Havertz has carried this injury since Euro 2024, so the break will do him good.
Partey will also remain in North London throughout this international break. The Ghanaian has been a fixture in the side so far this season, enjoying an all too rare period of sustained fitness.
What Arsenal expect from Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on this sidelined Arsenal trio.
Reporting on Instagram, he stated: “Arsenal expect both Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey available next week! Both Havertz and Thomas missed national team calls due to physical issues… recovery process going well.
“Arsenal staff expect Kai and Partey to be part of the Arteta’s squad against Bournemouth next weekend. No green light yet for Martin Ødegaard as of now.”
As Partey is only suffering with illness, rather than a physical injury, it makes sense that he should soon be available for selection again.
On top of that, Odegaard has stepped up his recovery, and sounds positive about the progress he is making.
Mikel Arteta has Arsenal squad depth tested
Whilst Odegaard, Havertz, and Partey are all on their way back to full fitness, Arteta will still need to rest and rotate players regularly this season.
To provide cover for the aforementioned trio, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, and Ethan Nwaneri, amongst others, will all be hoping for game time.
The manager must show faith in his squad options this season. If Arsenal are to sustain their form to the end of the campaign, and avoid falling off the pace during the run in, then the Spanish coach must keep his key players fresh.
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