ARSENAL STARS SET FOR RETURN — ODEGAARD, HAVERTZ INJURY TIMELINES OUT
Injury expert Ben Dinnery advises Mikel Arteta not to rush Martin Odegaard & Kai Havertz back. Arsenal can manage their returns carefully with squad depth, targeting a post-international break comeback.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard - (Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz will not be rushed back into the starting lineup as Arsenal looks to fully recover from their injury problems, Mikel Arteta has been told.
Ben Dinnery, an injury expert, offered advice on how Arteta could go about getting his two injured Gunners players back into the fold in an exclusive interview with football.london.
Since coming on as a substitute in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on the first day of the season, Havertz has not played for the team. The German international, who had just returned after a protracted absence due to a hamstring strain last season, underwent knee surgery to treat his discomfort.
Odegaard has not been out as long as his teammate from Arsenal, but he has now sustained two injuries: one to his knee and one to his shoulder.
According to Escapist Magazine, Dinnery responded, "I suppose you look at the two individually," when asked when we may see either player return to action. Compared to Havertz, Odegaard has undoubtedly missed more time due to injury.
"After undergoing that hamstring surgery, Havertz is returning and, to be honest, had a very interrupted 2025. coming back and then experiencing that most recent knee injury.
"I believe he is a player who might require a little more cautious handling. Odegaard's own shoulder injury was a chronic or recurrent issue that restricted his playing time in that competitive setting.
However, he was able to make some progress toward increasing his level of fitness, even if this most recent setback is likely to last anywhere from six to possibly eight weeks.
"I would definitely anticipate that he would be incorporated a little bit sooner than Havertz. However, as always, there is a catch to that. The scheduling of team games, injuries, and suspensions could always be influencing factors.
"Perfectly, considering Arsenal's current situation and their possibilities, especially in that offensive third with Eze, Martinelli, Trossard, and others.
"There are many possibilities available, and as long as things are going well on the field, Mikel Arteta will not have to worry about when these players will return.
"That is because he can afford to manage these players a bit better and, ideally, return to the first team with a more integrated and stable approach."
After the November international break, Havertz and Odegaard are anticipated to return to first-team play in anticipation of a pivotal stretch of games that might determine Arsenal's season.
The Gunners' first domestic match will be against bitter rivals Spurs in the north London derby. They will next play Bayern Munich in the Champions League, then go across London to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea, another title contender.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.