Arsenal have been hit by several injury concerns during the September-October international break, with Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz picking up fresh problems while on international duty, while Martin Ødegaard has also required monitoring after suffering an ankle knock for Norway.
The extended international window has given Mikel Arteta additional time to prepare for Arsenal’s return to Premier League action, but it has also created fresh uncertainty over the availability of several first-team players.
Arsenal are scheduled to return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on October 10, meaning the club’s medical team will have just over a week to assess the latest concerns.
Here is the latest situation involving Arsenal players affected during or around the international break.
1. Christos Tzolis – Hamstring injury
The latest and most significant injury concern is Christos Tzolis, who was forced off early while representing Greece against the Netherlands.
Tzolis lasted only around 18 minutes before appearing to suffer a hamstring problem. Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic subsequently confirmed that he decided to remove the Arsenal forward after becoming concerned that the player had felt something.
Tzolis was initially able to remain with the Greece squad, but reports indicate that he is returning to London for further assessment by Arsenal’s medical staff.
Reports from Greece suggest that the injury could be a minor hamstring tear, with an estimated recovery period of approximately two to three weeks. However, the final diagnosis and rehabilitation programme are expected to be determined after further examination.
If that timeframe is confirmed, Tzolis could miss Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Leeds and potentially subsequent fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Everton, as well as Champions League matches.
The 24-year-old had made an encouraging start to life at Arsenal, making his injury particularly frustrating for Arteta.
2. Kai Havertz – Muscle injury
Kai Havertz is another Arsenal player who suffered an injury while away with his national team.
The German forward picked up the problem during Germany’s Nations League match against the Netherlands. Havertz was involved in a challenge with Quinten Timber before subsequently requiring treatment and being substituted.
Sky Sports reported that Havertz was returning to Arsenal for further assessment, with the initial diagnosis understood to be a minor muscle strain.
Havertz’s situation is particularly important because Arsenal have several attacking options competing for places, and the Germany international has remained an important part of Arteta’s plans.
The Premier League also reported that German media had suggested Havertz could potentially be sidelined for around four weeks, although Arsenal had not issued a definitive public recovery timeline at the time of reporting.
That means Arsenal supporters will have to wait for further medical information before knowing whether Havertz can feature against Leeds.
3. Martin Ødegaard – Ankle knock
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard also caused concern after suffering an ankle problem while playing for Norway.
The midfielder was on the receiving end of a late challenge from Bernardo Silva during Norway’s match against Portugal. Ødegaard was visibly unhappy with the incident and was subsequently seen limping.
Because Ødegaard previously suffered a serious ankle injury while on international duty, the latest incident immediately generated concern among Arsenal supporters.
However, the latest reports have been more encouraging.
A scan reportedly showed that Ødegaard had not suffered significant damage, and Norway continued to monitor his condition in consultation with Arsenal. He was subsequently included in Norway’s squad for the next international fixture.
Reports on October 2 also indicated that Ødegaard had returned to play for Norway and provided an assist, suggesting that the ankle problem was not considered severe enough to keep him out completely.
Nevertheless, Arsenal will likely continue to monitor the captain carefully before the Leeds match.
4. Declan Rice – Minor fitness concern
Declan Rice withdrew from England duty during the international break because of fitness concerns.
The midfielder had been dealing with minor physical issues, and his withdrawal was understood to have been precautionary rather than the result of a serious new injury.
Reports indicate that there has been no major concern surrounding Rice’s condition, meaning Arsenal supporters have reason to expect him to be available once domestic football resumes.
Rice’s situation is therefore different from Tzolis and Havertz, who suffered injuries while actually representing their countries.
5. William Saliba – Continuing recovery
William Saliba did not suffer a new injury during the international break. Instead, the French defender remains in rehabilitation from the back problem that has kept him out since the beginning of the season.
There has, however, been encouraging progress.
Recent reports indicate that Saliba has moved from cycling to running on grass, representing another stage in his rehabilitation. His return is being targeted for around November, although the precise date remains dependent on how he responds to the next stages of his recovery.
Saliba’s progress is important for Arsenal because the defender remains one of Arteta’s major defensive options.
Arsenal injury situation at a glance
| Player | Issue | How it happened | Latest situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christos Tzolis | Hamstring | Greece duty | Returning to London for assessment; reports suggest 2–3 weeks |
| Kai Havertz | Muscle strain | Germany duty | Returned to Arsenal for treatment |
| Martin Ødegaard | Ankle knock | Norway duty | Scans reportedly showed no major damage |
| Declan Rice | Minor fitness concern | England duty | Withdrew as a precaution |
| William Saliba | Back injury | Pre-existing | Running again; possible November return |
| Ben White | Knock/groin concern | Pre-existing | Expected to be available soon |
| Cristhian Mosquera | Muscle/hamstring issue | Pre-existing | Closing in on return |
| Piero Hincapie | Groin problem | Pre-existing | Expected to return soon |
Recent reports have suggested that Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie could also be approaching returns, potentially giving Arteta some defensive reinforcements when Arsenal resume competitive action.
What it means for Arsenal
The international break has therefore produced a mixed injury picture for Arsenal.
The most immediate concern is Tzolis, whose early withdrawal against the Netherlands has added another name to Arteta’s medical list. Havertz’s muscle problem is another concern, particularly if the reported four-week timeframe proves accurate.
Ødegaard’s situation is more positive, with reports indicating that scans did not reveal significant damage and that he was able to return to action for Norway.
Rice’s withdrawal also appears precautionary, while Saliba’s continued rehabilitation provides longer-term encouragement rather than an immediate solution.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the October 10 Premier League meeting with Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium.
With more than a week remaining before that fixture, Arsenal’s medical team will have time to assess the affected players. The club will hope that no further injuries emerge during the remaining international fixtures and that several existing absentees can return to training.
For Arteta, the priority will be to balance the need for players to regain fitness with the importance of avoiding setbacks after an unusually long international break.
Latest position: Tzolis and Havertz are the two clearest fresh injury concerns from international duty, while Ødegaard’s ankle issue appears less serious following further assessment. Saliba continues his rehabilitation and is progressing towards a potential November return.
