Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Ødegaard still faces “weeks” on the sidelines after suffering an MCL injury to his left knee, as Arsenal prepare to face Fulham on Saturday.
The Arsenal captain picked up the injury during the 2-0 win over West Ham on 4 October, colliding with Crysencio Summerville in the first half before being substituted and later seen in a knee brace.
Speaking ahead of the game against Fulham, Arteta was still offering cautious updates on his recovery. “It will be weeks,” Arteta said. “No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well.
“Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but yeah, I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be (after the next international break), but we’ll have to see how he progresses, how the knee’s healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab, so too early to give an answer.”
Elsewhere, Martin Zubimendi sat out training on Thursday but will be available for selection.
“Yeah, all the players come from different countries, different amounts of games and minutes played and we believe that it was the right thing to do. He played two games again. His load has been really high recently and he needed an extra day. He will be available,” Arteta said.
Ben White and Piero Hincapié are also being closely monitored, with the latter back in full training after recovering from a groin problem sustained on his debut against Athletic Club following surgery on the same area over the summer.
“Yeah, he will be training today again with us and if everything is right, he will be available as well,” Arteta confirmed. “We really want that. He’s that player that is going to help us a lot.
“He’s going to bring something different to the team. We need to get him going, get to the speed that is necessary to compete at this level and gradually get him to where we want.”
There was further positive news regarding Noni Madueke, who is nearing a return from a knee injury. “Getting closer as well,” Arteta said. “He’s going to start very soon to do some running and stuff and then again, let’s see how that reacts.”
Kai Havertz also remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. The German has been out since the opening match of the season, but Arteta praised his determination to return. “Again, very difficult. There’s still a lot to do in his rehab.
“He’s really pushing it. We know Kai and that’s why we love him so much. But we have to wait and see. I think we are doing a really good work with him again. He wants to break every timeline, I’m sure. But that’s why we have to protect him and make sure that when he comes back, he comes back for the long term.”
To complete the list, Gabriel Jesus is also out and not expected back before 2026.
Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage as Premier League leaders, one point clear of Liverpool, having won four successive games in all competitions.
Fulham, meanwhile, are looking to halt a run of back-to-back defeats, as both sides enter the weekend with plenty at stake in the capital.