Arsenal's International Injury Rollercoaster: Odegaard, Tzolis and Zubimendi Latest
Arsenal have endured an anxious international break, with several key players picking up injury scares before the Gunners return to Premier League action against Leeds United.
Captain Martin Odegaard was the biggest worry after picking up an ankle problem when Bernardo Silva "kicked him from behind" during Norway's defeat to Portugal, according to the Evening Standard (Evening Standard), who add that Odegaard "reacted furiously" afterwards. Football.London (Football.London) notes the incident sparked controversy, with a "Liverpool hero" causing a stir by mocking Odegaard over the clash. The fears eased, however, as the Evening Standard (Evening Standard) reports Odegaard "dazzled" for Norway despite the scare, while Football.London (Football.London) confirms he was named fit enough to feature against Wales in Cardiff after UEFA published their squad list.
Christos Tzolis has emerged as a fresh concern. ESPN (ESPN) reports the winger was substituted in the 18th minute of Greece's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands "with an apparent injury". The Evening Standard (Evening Standard) (Evening Standard) and Football.London (Football.London) all confirm the early withdrawal, with the Standard (Evening Standard) adding that Tzolis received "treatment on the pitch" at the Toumba Stadium before the substitution was made. Football.London (Football.London) calls it "another injury worry" for Mikel Arteta to contend with.
Elsewhere, the Evening Standard (Evening Standard) reports that Spain boss Luis de la Fuente played down fears over Martin Zubimendi after he was substituted during the win over Croatia, despite earlier describing it as a "worry". The outlet notes Zubimendi has already had "limited involvement" for Arsenal this season.
Pulling it all together, the Evening Standard (Evening Standard) (Evening Standard) and Football.London (Football.London) both published broader injury round-ups covering Odegaard, Tzolis, Havertz, Rice, Saliba, Hincapie and others, with the Standard (Evening Standard) (Evening Standard) stressing that Arsenal are "sweating over the fitness" of several key players ahead of their return to league action a week on Saturday. Football.London (Football.London) confirms the comeback match is at home to Leeds United on October 10.
Taken together, the picture is of a club nervously awaiting final clarity on several fronts, with Odegaard's situation looking more positive than first feared, Tzolis's injury still being assessed, and Zubimendi's knock considered less serious despite Spain's initial concern.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.