Arsenal injury update as Martin Odegaard return date confirmed by Gunners | Football | Sport
Mikel Arteta has provided injury updates to Martin Odegaard and four other players ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League encounter with Fulham on Saturday evening. “It will take weeks, no precise date for his return but he is progressing well,” he said on Odegaard. “Very unlucky, but he will be back in a few weeks.
“It could be (a return before the November international break), but we will have to see how he progresses, how his knee heals, how he copes after the next stages of his rehabilitation. So, too early to give an answer.” Concerns emerged over Martin Zubimendi and Ben White following their absence from Thursday’s open training session, although Arteta reassured supporters that both players were healthy.
Regarding Zubimendi’s absence, Arteta explained: “Yes, all the players come from different countries, different numbers of games and minutes played, and we think it was the right thing to do. He has played two more games, his load has been very high recently and he needs an extra day.
“Yes, it’s very similar (situation for White). We monitor all the players and give a specific menu to each of them to make sure they are in the best condition.”
The Arsenal boss also provided further updates regarding Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, with the Gunners’ attacking duo at different stages of their respective recovery from knee injuries.
“He’s getting closer as well. He’s going to start running and all that very soon and again, let’s see how it works,” he said of Madueke. “I mean, very difficult,” Arteta replied when asked if Havertz could surprise everyone and come back sooner than expected.
“There’s still a lot to do in his rehabilitation. 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’re doing a really good job with him again.
“He wants to break all timelines, I’m sure of it. But we also need to protect him and make sure that when he comes back, he comes back for the long haul.”
Havertz has been sidelined since the season-opening triumph over Manchester United due to knee pain which required minor surgery.
Madueke, meanwhile, had an issue in that same area against Manchester City last month, just as Bukayo Saka was making his return from a hamstring setback.
Although he has been available for selection for some time now, Saka still believes he is yet to reach peak match fitness.
“Obviously I started the season and I got injured, which killed me a bit, but I’m starting to feel good,” he said after scoring in England’s 3-0 win over Wales.
“I’m not at my best yet, but I’m starting to feel good and I’ve scored in my last three games, so I’m happy with that and I want to continue on this path.”