Mikel Arteta is preparing to reintegrate several important Arsenal players back into the squad soon.
The international break may have come at a beneficial time for Arsenal, allowing players to recover while also minimizing the risk of further absences. Although Arteta has been cautious regarding Martin Odegaard’s return, recent footage from the club displayed the Norwegian midfielder running as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in September.
Arsenal has coped well without Odegaard, but they have certainly felt the absence of his leadership and skill. While they remain unbeaten, their narrow wins against teams like Leicester and Southampton might have been more decisive with Odegaard directing the play.
In addition, Jurrien Timber and Ben White have both been unavailable due to injuries. These two right-backs are viewed as some of the top contenders for the position in the league. Timber has impressed with his technical skills, while White consistently performs well, frequently connecting with Bukayo Saka to execute Arteta’s tactics.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, like Odegaard, has been out since the last break, though Arteta is optimistic about his return when domestic matches resume. Even with competition for the left-back position, particularly with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s comeback, Zinchenko’s distinct style is still an asset to the team.
With important matches against Liverpool, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Chelsea approaching, having a full squad will be crucial for Arsenal’s title aspirations. Any absences could disrupt their momentum, but Arsenal’s unbeaten start has demonstrated their resilience thus far. Nonetheless, a single setback could quickly alter the team’s outlook, making the effective reintegration of these returning players vital in the upcoming weeks.