Mikel Arteta is getting ready to bring several key Arsenal players back into the squad soon.
The international break has been advantageous for Arsenal, allowing players to recuperate and reducing the chance of further injuries.
While Arteta has been cautious about Martin Odegaard’s return, recent club footage shows the Norwegian midfielder running as he heals from an ankle injury suffered in September.
Arsenal has managed well without Odegaard, but they’ve certainly missed his leadership and talent. Although they remain unbeaten, their narrow victories against teams like Leicester and Southampton might have been more convincing with Odegaard orchestrating the play.
Additionally, Jurrien Timber and Ben White have been sidelined due to injuries. Both are regarded as top right-back options in the league, with Timber showcasing impressive technical ability and White consistently performing well, often linking up with Bukayo Saka to execute Arteta’s strategies.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, similar to Odegaard, has been out since the last break, but Arteta is hopeful for his return when domestic matches resume.
Despite competition for the left-back position, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s return, Zinchenko’s unique style remains a valuable asset.
With crucial matches against Liverpool, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Chelsea on the horizon, having a full squad is essential for Arsenal’s title ambitions. Any absences could disrupt their momentum, but their unbeaten start has shown their resilience.
However, a single setback could quickly change their outlook, making the effective reintegration of returning players crucial in the weeks ahead.
