Five players, including Martin Odegaard and Ben White, are vying to return to Arsenal from injury. (Image sourced from Getty Images by Joe Prior/Visionhaus) Some supporters of opposing teams have referred to Arsenal’s injury record during the last two seasons as they have competed for the Premier League title as “lucky.” While that sentiment has been reversed this season, key players have stayed fit. Ignoring the fact that the assertions indicated above are false and that the departures of Gabriel Jesus, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, and others throughout those two seasons, at various times, refute them, no one is voicing these accusations this time.
Mikel Arteta may have chosen this international break to his advantage because it will give certain players who are close to returning a chance to heal and others won’t have to worry about missing any more games. Regarding Martin Odegaard’s return, Arteta has been mum, but club-released footage shows the Norwegian sprinting in a room while he continues to heal from an ankle injury sustained during the September break.
Although Arsenal has managed without its captain, they have undoubtedly lost his leadership, presence, and skill on the field. Despite their unblemished record, Odegaard’s creation of opportunities could have prevented some of their near-misses against Southampton and Leicester.
Ben White and Jurrien Timber have both been absent due to personal issues. With each other, the two right-backs appear to be the league’s strongest rivals for the position. In games, Timber has been great, displaying his technical prowess. In contrast, White keeps up his stellar play and works in incredible tandem with Bukayo Saka to help their boss accomplish his goals.
