Martin Ødegaard’s latest shoulder setback added to a significant Arsenal injury list, but the Gunners’ extensive summer rebuild has left them far better equipped than last season.
Martin Ødegaard’s withdrawal against Nottingham Forest with a recurrence of his right shoulder injury underlined once again how Arsenal’s ambitions continue to be tested by fitness setbacks.
Yet, unlike last season, when the squad was stretched to breaking point, the club’s summer business has provided depth in almost every area.
Ødegaard landed awkwardly after a heavy challenge, clutching the same shoulder that forced him off against Leeds. He briefly tried to play on before signalling he could not continue.
His departure follows the absence of Bukayo Saka, still recovering from a hamstring problem, and long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. William Saliba is also out.
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Saka’s recovery is being carefully managed. “Bukayo’s out, still out and he’s trying to get back as quick as possible, but we need to respect that process,” he said.
On Havertz, who underwent knee surgery, the manager admitted the absence will be lengthy but insisted the procedure was the right call. “It was a very tough decision for him to go and have that procedure done. But I think it was necessary and it was the right decision from the medical team to persuade him to do that.”
Jesus, meanwhile, is not expected back until between December and January after major surgery.
Where last year injuries to key players proved destabilising, Arsenal are better positioned to absorb the disruption. Martin Zubimendi scored his first (and second) goal for the club in the 3-0 victory over Forest, a reminder of why £55m was invested in him to strengthen midfield, although he certainly wasn’t purchased with goals in mind.
Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have all added attacking options that mitigate Saka’s absence and reduce reliance on Ødegaard’s creativity. All were instrumental against Forest, with Gyökeres scoring his third Arsenal goal, Eze getting his first assist on his first start, and Madueke torturing Ange Postecoglou‘s defence.
At the back, Cristhian Mosquera has already been called upon, replacing Saliba against Liverpool and Forest without missing a beat, while Piero Hincapié’s arrival gives even more cover in defence.
Even in goal, the £5m signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga ensures experience behind David Raya.
Arteta has acknowledged the contrast with last year, when a thin squad faltered under the weight of injuries.
Now, even as the captain and other key players are sidelined, he can turn to options that offer little, if any, drop in quality. The hope is that this greater depth prevents disruption from becoming derailment.
The injuries remain unwelcome, but Arsenal’s summer rebuild has left them far better prepared to survive them.