Arsenal injury update: Ødegaard, Hincapié, Madueke return news & timelines

Arsenal are set to resume Premier League action this Saturday at Craven Cottage without skipper Martin Ødegaard, who continues to recover from a medial collateral ligament injury suffered in the 2-0 win over West Ham.

The Norwegian’s absence adds to a growing list of fitness concerns for Mikel Arteta, though there is cautious optimism elsewhere in the squad.

Ødegaard, who withdrew from Norway duty, remains with the national camp for treatment but faces an uncertain return date. It’s another frustrating blow for Arsenal’s creative hub, whose season has already been disrupted by shoulder problems. According to the Standard, the midfielder is wearing a protective brace and will be assessed later this month.

However, there is brighter news with Piero Hincapié expected to rejoin full training this week and possibly feature against Fulham, while Noni Madueke is targeting a comeback in early November.

So, who’s close to returning — and who’s still some way off? Here’s the full Arsenal injury picture ahead of their short trip across London.

The Ecuadorian defender is nearing full fitness after missing several weeks with a groin strain. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, Hincapié has made just one substitute appearance so far but impressed coaches with his composure in training.

Arteta confirmed before the West Ham match that “he will be available after the international break,” suggesting a spot on the bench at Fulham is likely. His return would provide much-needed cover for Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.

Potential return: 18 October vs Fulham (A)

Madueke’s bright start at Arsenal was halted by a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last month. While he missed England duty, sources close to the club expect him to resume training by early November.

His absence has limited Arsenal’s width options, forcing Bukayo Saka into heavy minutes once again. Arteta will be keen to rotate more effectively once Madueke is back to full speed.

Potential return: Early November

Kai Havertz continues his recovery from knee surgery and is not expected back until late 2025. Arteta recently described his progress as “weeks to months,” though the German is said to be ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is training on grass after his ACL tear but remains a long-term absentee. His omission from Arsenal’s Champions League squad suggests a likely return around January 2026.

Potential return (Havertz): Late 2025
Potential return (Jesus): Late 2025 / Early 2026

In my view, Arsenal’s depth is being tested earlier than Arteta would like. The midfield creativity gap left by Ødegaard is significant, and unless Nwaneri or Eze step up, Arsenal risk losing fluency in build-up play.

We believe the return of Hincapié could quietly prove just as important. His ball-carrying from defence fits Arteta’s tactical structure and should help maintain Arsenal’s progressive tempo while key attackers recover.

Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday 18 October. Arteta’s lineup could include Hincapié for the first time, while Eze and Nwaneri to replace Ødegaard in midfield.

After Fulham, Arsenal return to European action, where squad rotation will be vital. Arteta will be desperate for a cleaner injury bill heading into a decisive winter period.

👉 Which injured Gunner’s return do you think will make the biggest difference?