Arsenal Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Burnley Clash

Arsenal will be without winger Gabriel Martinelli for their Premier League match against Burnley on October 31, 2025, due to an injury. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that centre back William Saliba is doubtful for the match as well. Martinelli sustained his injury during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace, while Saliba was substituted at halftime during the same match. Both players missed Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Arteta addressed the media on Friday, stating, “I think we have the same ones. Martinelli is still out. Saliba, we have to wait and see. The rest are getting closer, but not ready yet.” He noted that it is still unclear when Martinelli will return, emphasizing that this match comes too early for him.

Anticipated returns for long-term absentees, including Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke, could bolster the squad in the coming weeks. “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully. We have the international break, but after that we hope to have some of them back,” Arteta said. He expressed enthusiasm about their potential return, highlighting their importance to the team.

Arsenal has demonstrated impressive form recently, becoming the first team in English top-flight history to play at least six consecutive matches in a month without conceding a goal. Their flawless October included victories over West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, as well as wins against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, plus a League Cup win against Brighton.

Currently, Arsenal leads the Premier League standings with 22 points from nine matches, sitting four points ahead of second-placed Bournemouth. Arteta stressed the importance of maintaining their performance level, saying, “Yes, keep the foot on the gas and maintain the level of urgency. The concentration, the focus, the ambition we are showing in every game brings different challenges.”

Looking ahead to the match against Burnley, which currently stands 16th in the league table with 10 points, Arteta recognized the challenge posed by their opponents. “The game against Burnley is going to be really tough. They are extremely well coached, and Scott Parker has done really well with the club,” he noted.

As Arsenal aims to extend its remarkable run, the absence of key players poses a significant hurdle. The team’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial as they strive to secure another victory in the Premier League.