Arsenal have been labelled as “lucky” by some rival fans regarding their injury record over the last couple of seasons as they have fought for the Premier League title. Key players have remained fit, whereas this season that rhetoric has been flipped.
The Gunners have been without several figures, some of which are vital to the system.
This international break perhaps has come at the perfect time for Mikel Arteta, allowing a period of recovery for some nearing their return, while others need not worry about missing yet more games.
Arteta has been coy about the return of Martin Odegaard, but media released by the club showed the Norwegian running in a chamber as he continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered during the September break.
Arsenal have coped well without their captain but have still certainly missed his presence, leadership and quality on the field. They might be unbeaten but some of the close shaves against Leicester and Southampton could have been avoided were Odegaard creating the chances.
Both Jurrien Timber and Ben White have also been out with their own problems. The two right-backs look like they are arguably the best-competing pair for the position in the whole league.
Timber has been electric in games, showcasing his technical talent. Whereas, White continues to consistently perform at the top of his game and partners with Bukayo Saka in amazing ways to help achieve their manager’s plan.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been missing, like Odegaard, since the last break but Arteta has said there is hope he will return when domestic action restarts.
While the left-back role is congested, especially as Takehiro Tomiyasu has also made his way back, the Ukrainian brings a dimension that remains an asset to Arteta.
With games against Liverpool, Inter Milan, Newcastle United and Chelsea to come before the last international break of the year, having as many options as possible is the best way to keep the title aims on track.
With so little margin for error, any potential absence can cause hugely detrimental dents to momentum.
Thankfully, so far, Arsenal’s unbeaten start has shown that they can perform against the adversity and absences they have faced.
That said, one result can flip the mood in an instant, it will be on Arteta and his returning stars to reintegrate and deliver in these coming weeks.
