Arsenal injury update as Martin Odegaard return date confirmed by Gunners | Football | Sport
Mikel Arteta has provided injury updates on Martin Odegaard and four other players ahead of Arsenal‘s Premier League encounter with Fulham on Saturday night. “It will be weeks, no definite date for his return but he is evolving well,” he said on Odegaard. “Very unlucky, but he will be back in a few weeks.
“It could be [a return before November international break], but we’ll have to see how he progresses, how the knee is healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab. So, too early to give an answer.” Concerns arose over Martin Zubimendi and Ben White following their absence from Thursday’s open training session, though Arteta has reassured supporters that both players are in good health.
Regarding Zubimendi’s absence, Arteta explained: “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 needs an extra day.
“Yeah, very similar [situation for White]. We are monitoring all the players and give a specific menu to each of them to make sure that they are in the best condition.”
The Arsenal boss also delivered fresh updates concerning Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, with the Gunners’ attacking duo at varying stages of their respective recoveries from knee injuries.
“Getting closer as well. He’s going to start very soon to start doing some running and stuff and again, let’s see how that works,” he said on Madueke. “I mean, very difficult,” Arteta replied when asked if Havertz could surprise everyone and return earlier than expected again.
“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 as well, we have to protect him and make sure that when he comes back, he’s come back for the long term.”
Havertz has been sidelined since the season opener triumph over Manchester United with a knee complaint that necessitated a minor surgical intervention.
Madueke, meanwhile, sustained an issue in that same region against Manchester City last month just as Bukayo Saka made his comeback from a hamstring setback.
Despite being available for selection for some time now, Saka still believes he hasn’t quite reached peak match fitness.
“Obviously I started the season and picked up an injury, which killed me a bit but I’m starting to feel good again,” he said after netting in England’s 3-0 victory over Wales.
“I’m still not at my sharpest, but I’m starting to feel good again and I’ve scored in my last three games, so I’m happy with that and want to continue in that way.”
