The Gunners’ resilience is challenged as injuries cloud the season’s prospects with essential players out at crucial moments. Despite the setbacks, Arsenal’s morale does not waver, even when facing top opponents.

This past Sunday, Arsenal were seconds away from clinching a victory with ten men against title rivals Manchester City at Etihad. They held well until a stoppage-time strike turned their win into a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal were without several first-team players, including Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Jurrien Timber and Ricardo Calafiori both went down and had to be replaced in the second half.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, and with the Bolton fixture today, Arsenal’s boss will need the full complement of his squad.

For insights on how betting on Arsenal’s performance can be impacted by these injuries, check out our sportsbook review.

Key players sidelined

Martin Odegaard

Odegaard is out for a lengthy period following a serious ankle injury he suffered on international duty with Norway against Austria. He was later pictured on crutches when he returned to London.

The midfielder’s absence is a blow, and he is expected to return before November 2024, though no specific timeline has been established.

“The scans showed that he’s got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. It’s quite significant, so we’re going to lose him for a while,” Arteta said on Friday.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has faced multiple injury problems since his summer arrival. After missing games due to a freak collision with Ousmane Dembele on international duty, Calafiori returned to score a stunning equalizer in his full Arsenal debut against Manchester City.

However, Arteta subbed him off in the second half when the Italian international went down off the ball. The Arsenal boss has suggested that it was due to the defender not yet being up to full match fitness, and he could be in action against Bolton.

“They haven’t played 90 minutes in this context, and that’s for sure, especially in the last week with what they’ve had to do. Everybody is so willing to help the team. We will find solutions.”

Mikel Merino

After breaking his shoulder in his first training session, Mikel Merino hasn’t featured for Arsenal yet. Reports suggest that he has been seen without a sling as he moves towards returning to fitness. He might make his Arsenal debut after the next international break in late October against Bournemouth (A).

“Very unfortunate,” Arteta talked about the incident before the international break. “Yesterday he had a collision, and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks. He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor, and Gabi landed on top of him, and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.”

David Raya

David Raya picked up an injury during the match against Manchester City. The Spaniard produced a fantastic goalkeeping display for the Gunners, but he was seen limping after the draw and had a bandage on his right leg. It has not yet been confirmed whether there is anything serious with him.

Ben White

For the first time in 33 Premier League matches, Ben White was left out of Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. Following Trossard’s red card, Arteta introduced White at half-time against Manchester City. After the game, the Arsenal boss revealed that White was dealing with an injury.

“Yeah, we didn’t want to [play him that long], but we had to,” Arteta said. “I spoke to him yesterday, and I wanted to protect him. He’s not going to ever tell you that he’s not fit. He will run through a brick wall for you. The intention was not to use him today. But I’m very grateful because he performed extremely well.”

Upcoming returns and continued absences

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber has been active, starting three games since the international break. His resilience is commendable, and he is expected to be ready for the upcoming game against Bolton.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played so many games, especially in seven days, so that’s really good,” he said.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko has yet to feature for Arsenal after playing for Ukraine against Czechia earlier this month. The left-back has missed the last three Arsenal games with a calf injury, and no official update has been provided by the club.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu has yet to take the field for Arsenal this season after suffering a knee injury in the summer. His return dates are uncertain, and a recent update suggests that we might not see him in action soon.

“At the moment, it’s difficult to say,” the Arsenal coach said. “It’s a bit slow, the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more than that. He’s not done any training yet.”

Kieran Tierney

Left-back Kieran Tierney has been absent since picking up a serious hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro Cup 2024. Despite remaining on the sidelines, Tierney has been named in the club’s Champions League squad – a sign of a hopeful return.

“He needs to focus on recovering in the best possible way. It’s been a tough time for him again with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he gets back fit,” Mikel Arteta expressed last month.