Arsenal fans, brace yourselves—the injury curse has struck again, and it’s hitting hard. Just days before the Gunners resume their Premier League campaign in a high-stakes London derby at Fulham, key players are sidelined, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: Martin Odegaard, the heart and soul of Arsenal’s midfield, has been ruled out yet again. After battling back from a nagging shoulder injury, the captain’s luck ran out against West Ham, where he limped off with a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee. The club confirmed the blow, stating he’ll miss Norway’s international fixtures and is targeting a return by November 23, 2025—ironically, against Tottenham. Is this the season where injuries derail Arsenal’s ambitions?
And this is the part most people miss: Odegaard isn’t the only one in the treatment room. Piero Hincapie, the Deadline Day signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has barely had a chance to shine. A groin issue has kept him out of Arsenal’s last five games, but there’s a silver lining—he’s back in training and could feature against Fulham on October 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke, the summer arrival from Chelsea, is also on the sidelines after a knee complaint against Manchester City. Scans ruled out a serious ACL injury, but Arteta expects him to be out for several weeks, with a potential return in November 2025. Are Arsenal’s medical and training regimes up to the task, or is this just bad luck?
Kai Havertz, another key figure, has been absent since the season’s opening weekend win over Manchester United. The club remains optimistic he’ll return before the next international break, also in November 2025. Then there’s Gabriel Jesus, whose knee injuries have been a recurring nightmare. After another surgery on a torn cruciate ligament, Arteta insists he’s making strong strides, but a late 2025 return is the best-case scenario. With so many stars out, can Arsenal maintain their momentum, or will this injury crisis define their season?
Here’s the controversial question: Is Arsenal’s injury crisis a result of bad luck, or does it point to deeper issues in player management and recruitment? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a debate!
