Arsenal are dealing with a fresh batch of injury concerns as they prepare to return to Premier League action on October 10 against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners saw their seven-game winning start to the season end with a 3-0 defeat at Brighton, and the international break has brought further fitness issues.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz were among those forced to withdraw from international duty, while Martin Odegaard received a knock during Norway's 2-1 home loss to Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday.
Odegaard's ankle knock
Odegaard was left limping after a late challenge from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva in Oslo. The Arsenal captain reacted angrily, confronting Silva and shouting at him after the tackle came from behind following his pass.
"I hope not, but I got a knock on my ankle there," Odegaard said. "So it probably won't be good tonight." He is hopeful of remaining in the Norway squad for Thursday's match against Wales, followed by another Portugal contest next weekend. Arsenal will be hoping the issue is not serious, given his sparkling form this season.
Havertz and Rice setbacks
Havertz was forced off during Germany's Nations League draw with the Netherlands last Thursday after a high challenge from Quinten Timber in the first half. He left the camp on Friday to return to Arsenal, with the German Football Association confirming a "muscle strain". Further tests will follow, but there is optimism the injury is not long-term.
Rice was one of five players to withdraw from the England squad last Monday, missing the Nations League triple-header against Czechia and Croatia. He is not believed to be carrying an injury but is being rested ahead of a busy period.
Defensive concerns and returns
Piero Hincapie was left out of Ecuador's squad due to fitness concerns, having started only once this season. New Ecuador manager Marcelo Gallardo confirmed the defender was excluded because of injury. Ben White, absent against Brighton with a groin issue, was expected to be in contention after Arteta said: "Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody."
Cristhian Mosquera has been out since August 31 with a muscle injury but travelled with the squad to Brighton and watched warm-ups from the touchline. William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury sustained in July, with a statement confirming surgery is not recommended but that he faces an extended rehabilitation period.
Potential return dates for most players are set for October 10 against Leeds, while Saliba may not be back until after the November international break.
