Arsenal have a number of players featuring throughout the international break for their respective countries.
Bukayo Saka was involved for England in the Three Lions' 1-0 defeat against Italy as Gareth Southgate's side continue to struggle in their preparations for the 2022 World Cup. Arsenal and Norway captain Martin Odegaard looks set to be involved in some capacity in the game against Slovenia this afternoon after taking part in training earlier this week.
Thomas Partey was absent for Ghana in the Black Stars' 3-0 defeat against Brazil whilst Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli were all left out of Tite's squad for the break. Takehiro Tomiyasu featured for Japan in their 2-0 win over the USA but is set to return to north London after being withdrawn ahead of the friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday.
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Here, football.london takes a look at the latest injury updates within the Arsenal squad.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey picked up a thigh injury earlier in September but made his return to the first team for the 3-0 win against Brentford. The Ghana international was not involved in the 3-0 loss to Brazil earlier this week and is unlikely to be involved in Ghana's next game against Nicaragua.
Fans feared that the 29-year-old had suffered a setback after his recovery from injury but an update provided by a member of the Black Stars' medical team hinted that Partey was only left out as a 'precautionary measure'. If Partey misses the game against Nicaragua, it is likely he will recover in time to be fit for the north London derby.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
There is no indication yet from the Japanese FA that Tomiyasu has suffered another fitness problem and instead the decision has been made "due to club circumstances", hinting Arsenal had an agreement over the player's participation for this international break.
The full statement from the Japanese FA reads: "We would like to inform you that defender TOMIYASU Takehiro (Arsenal) will be withdrawing from the SAMURAI BLUE ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2022 Ecuador National Team match on September 27th due to club circumstances."
Martin Odegaard
football.london understands that club captain Odegaard is expected to be fit and ready to face Spurs come next Saturday.
The 23-year-old playmaker has handed the Gunners a major injury boost after admitting he expects to play a part in Norway's game against Slovenia this afternoon. When asked by TV2 if he expects to start, Odegaard said: "We can hope so.
"It feels good so far. Yes [if he is ready to start], I would like to think so."
Earlier this week, manager Ståle Solbakken admitted: "We’ll certainly see him in Norway," he said. "Either as a player or a ‘fourth coach’. It means a lot to have him."
In his press conference on Friday, Solbakken said: "Martin Odegaard trained today. If he [Odegaard] wakes up tomorrow as he feels today, there is a good chance that he will play."
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko is another player that was a doubt heading into the international break but football.london understands the Ukraine international is set to return for the north London derby. Arteta has a selection headache on his hands in defence after Scotland fans lauded Kieran Tierney for his stellar display whilst on international duty, with many labelling him as a better player than Liverpool's Andy Robertson who was absent through injury.
Cedric Soares
Portuguese defender Cedric Soares was expected to feature in the Gunners' Europa League win over Zurich earlier in the month, but he picked up an injury in training. He was expected to miss up to two weeks of action and football.london understands that it's likely he will return to face Arsenal's arch-rivals.
Reiss Nelson
Goal reporter Charles Watts reported that another who could return to the squad is Reiss Nelson, who has been absent since the opening day victory over Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old has been suffering from a muscular issue, but did train before the clash with Brentford.
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