Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but Mikel Arteta was left sweating on the fitness of several players

Bukayo Saka had to be withdrawn against Crystal Palace(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)

Mikel Arteta has delivered a fitness update on his squad following three enforced substitutions during Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.

Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal against his former side, propelling the Gunners four points clear at the summit. With Liverpool and Manchester City both suffering defeats, Sunderland, Bournemouth and Tottenham have emerged as Arsenal’s closest pursuers, making the North London club overwhelming title favourites.

Maintaining player fitness will prove crucial to sustaining that position, though Arteta encountered four fresh injury concerns during their latest triumph. William Saliba became the first casualty, with Cristhian Mosquera taking his place at the interval.

Declan Rice was withdrawn in the closing stages, whilst it subsequently emerged that Riccardo Calafiori, substituted at the same moment, had also picked up a problem. Gabriel Martinelli was additionally seen hobbling down the tunnel.

Bukayo Saka entered the match carrying a fitness concern, which partly explained his relatively early departure.

With that in mind, The Mirror has compiled the latest Arsenal injury bulletin ahead of their encounters with Brighton and Burnley over the coming six days.

William Saliba

Saliba failed to emerge for the second period against Palace, with Mosquera once again standing in for the Frenchman.

What Arteta has said: “Well, the first one was Willy that obviously had to be out after the first half. On Willy there are two things related to his substitution.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Bukayo Saka

There were worries over Saka as he hadn’t been seen in Arsenal training this week. Despite starting the match, he was taken off just after the hour mark.

What Arteta has said: “We didn’t know whether he was going to be fit. He’s been ill, he hasn’t trained really, so we didn’t know whether he was going to be fit, so he made a big effort to be available today.”

Possible return date: October 29 vs Brighton.

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli replaced Saka and completed the match but seemed to pick up an injury, as he was seen heading down the tunnel with physios.

What Arteta has said: “We have to check that one. He was a bit uncomfortable. He said he felt something. We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not. Tomorrow we’ll have more news.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, is making good progress from a knee injury that has kept him out of the last three games.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.

“There’s no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [after the next Int’ break], but we’ll have to see how he progresses. It’s too early to give an answer.”

Possible return date: November/December 2025.

Declan Rice

Rice needed attention from the physios after seeming to clutch his upper right leg. He was eventually substituted for Mikel Merino.

What Arteta has said: “Declan was struggling from the first half with a knock that he took. I don’t really know because it was a knock. But I don’t know if it was the calf or the Achilles or what exactly it was.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Riccardo Calafiori

Piero Hincapie came on for Calafiori with eight minutes of normal time remaining against Palace, and Arteta confessed he too may have sustained an injury.

What Arteta has said: “Who was the other one? Ricky. As well. So yeah, let’s see how that will go.”

Possible return date: Unknown.



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Riccardo Calafiori appears to have picked up an injury against Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz underwent surgery in August after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.”

Possible return date: November 2025.

Noni Madueke

He was forced off in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in late September and has been absent since with a knee problem.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.

Possible return date: November 2025.

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has been sidelined for the past nine months following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, he is moving closer to making his comeback.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.

What Jesus has said: “I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.

“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”