Arsenal injury update: William Saliba, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard latest news and return dates

Eberechi Eze’s strike was enough to seal a narrow win for Arsenal against his former club Crystal Palace, but while the result strengthened the Gunners’ title credentials, the aftermath brought a familiar frustration — more injuries.

Arsenal are already without several key players this season, and Sunday’s win added four new concerns to Mikel Arteta’s growing list ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.

Here’s the latest from the treatment room at London Colney.

Saliba completed the first half against Crystal Palace before being substituted at the break, raising fears of a potential muscle issue. Arteta confirmed the Frenchman’s withdrawal was precautionary but admitted there are “two things related” to his substitution that need assessment.

The 24-year-old will undergo further tests before a decision is made on his involvement against Brighton.

“Willy obviously had to be out after the first half,” Arteta told reporters. “We’ll assess him properly in the next 24 hours.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Rice was withdrawn midway through the second half after picking up a knock that limited his movement. Arteta described it as a “knock” and hinted it could be to the calf or Achilles area but could not confirm the extent.

The England international appeared to be walking freely at full-time, joining teammates to celebrate the win, which offers some optimism.

“Declan was struggling from the first half,” Arteta said. “We’ll have to check what it is exactly — whether it’s his calf or Achilles.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Another casualty from the win at the Emirates was Riccardo Calafiori, who limped off shortly after Rice. Arteta provided little detail post-match but admitted it was another knock that required substitution.

The Italian has been impressive since his summer move and will be assessed ahead of midweek.

Potential return date: Unknown

Martinelli replaced Bukayo Saka on 66 minutes but was seen hobbling down the tunnel at full-time. Arteta confirmed the winger felt discomfort and hinted it could be muscular, although it is too early to tell.

“We have to check that one,” Arteta said. “He was a bit uncomfortable and said he felt something. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Arsenal’s captain continues his recovery from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury sustained against West Ham. After initial fears of a long-term absence, Ødegaard provided a positive personal update — though no firm return date has been set.

“It’s tricky to set a return date,” he told club media. “I’m progressing really well, but we’ll know more once I’m back training and testing the leg again.”

Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

The summer signing from Chelsea was enjoying a strong start to life at Arsenal before suffering a knee injury in the draw with Manchester City. Scans showed no ACL damage, but Arteta expects him to miss several weeks.

“It looks like he’ll be out for a few weeks,” said Arteta. “We’ll rescan next week to check progress.”

Potential return date: November 2025

Havertz has been sidelined since undergoing minor knee surgery following the win over Manchester United in August. Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s recovery is going well, with optimism he could return before the next international break.

Potential return date: November 2025

The Brazilian forward remains a long-term absentee following cruciate ligament surgery earlier this year. Jesus has returned to light training and posted clips of himself working on grass, but Arteta has reiterated the need for patience.

“I’m doing great work on the pitch but need to hold myself back a bit,” Jesus said. “It’s important not to rush — when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

Potential return date: Late 2025

Mikel Arteta’s biggest challenge this season might not be tactical — it’s physical. The Gunners are top of the league, but the sheer volume of injuries threatens to derail their rhythm.

The silver lining? Ødegaard and Madueke are progressing well, while Gabriel Jesus’ return in late 2025 could give Arsenal’s attack another dimension heading into the second half of the campaign.

Still, with Brighton in midweek and a trip to Bournemouth looming, the Gunners’ squad depth will be stretched to its limit.

Arsenal’s focus now turns to the Carabao Cup before resuming Premier League duties next weekend.
Mikel Arteta will hope for positive news from the physios — and no new setbacks — as his side continue their push to maintain top spot.

👉 Arsenal go four points clear but face fresh injury crisis — full update on Saliba, Rice, Martinelli and more.