Mikel Arteta's Arsenal battle injury concerns ahead of Fulham trip

The Premier League leaders will be hoping their returning internationals come back unscathed, while several key players continue their recovery from injury.

Madueke Recovery Progressing Slowly

Noni Madueke remains out with a knee problem sustained in late September. The winger has missed the last three weeks and is not expected to return before the next international break.

Arteta said: "It looks he's going to be out for a few weeks. We don't know how long yet. He felt something at the beginning of the match, tried to carry on, but at half-time he was too sore."

Potential return: Tottenham - 23 November

Rice Fit to Feature After England Duty

There was positive news for the Gunners as Declan Rice recovered from a back issue to feature for England in their 5–0 World Cup qualifying win over Latvia on Tuesday. The midfielder played 60 minutes, easing fears of a longer layoff after coming off against West Ham with discomfort.

Arteta explained: "He asked to come off because he had pain in his back and couldn't carry on, which is very unusual for Declan. We had to assess him, but thankfully it doesn't look serious."

Potential return: Fulham - 18 October

Odegaard Blow Adds to Arsenal Concerns

Captain Martin Odegaard is facing several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury during the 2–0 win over West Ham before the international break. The Norwegian withdrew from national duty and is expected to be out until after the November internationals.

Arteta admitted the news was a setback, saying: "I just spoke to him. He's not positive about it. He's got a brace on. We'll have to wait and see from the doctors, but we haven't been very lucky with that either. We haven't had him since the start of the season for one reason or another, the shoulder twice and now this. We'll have to find solutions, but he's our captain and gives us a completely different dimension."

Potential return: Tottenham - 23 November

Hincapie Nears Return

Summer signing Piero Hincapie is set to be available for the trip to Fulham after missing recent matches with a groin issue. The Ecuadorian defender, who has made just one appearance so far, is back in full training.

Arteta said before the West Ham match: "He will be available after the international break. That game came too fast."

Potential return: Fulham - 18 October

Jesus Stepping Up Comeback

Gabriel Jesus is back on the training pitch as he steps up his recovery from major knee surgery. The Brazilian striker, who has been sidelined since January, is targeting a return in the coming weeks, with mid-October now in sight despite his history of knee troubles.

Arteta confirmed: "He had a major surgery, and it was going to take him many months. We thought he could be available between December and January. Hopefully, we did it wrong, and he comes back earlier."

Potential return: Late October

Havertz Working Towards November Return

Kai Havertz continues his recovery from knee surgery sustained on the opening weekend of the season. The German international is progressing well and has amazed the coaching staff with his rapid rehabilitation, entering the final stages and eyeing an earlier-than-expected comeback.

Arteta said: "We're taking it from weeks to months. It was a tough decision for him to go and have that procedure done, but it was the right one. He's in a good moment now, but there's still work to do."

Potential return: November

With Arsenal aiming to maintain their position at the top of the table, Arteta will be hoping his injury-hit squad can cope with the demands ahead. The return of Rice and Hincapie will be timely, but the absence of Odegaard and other key figures could test Arsenal's depth as the busy winter schedule approaches.