Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News, Predicted Lineup, and Injury Latest for Premier League
As Arsenal gears up to face Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend, key player movements and absences add an intriguing layer to the match. The Gunners’ squad is showing signs of depth and resilience, but injuries have presented some challenges as they navigate a congested fixture schedule.
Latest Team News
Piero Hincapie, who joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on Deadline Day, could potentially make just his second appearance for the club. After suffering a groin injury earlier this season, the left-back has trained diligently and expressed hope to be part of the squad. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated, “He will be training today with us. If everything is right, he will be available. He is a player that is going to help us a lot; he is going to bring something different to the team. We need to get him going.”
However, several key players will be missing from the lineup. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and Noni Madueke are all sidelined due to knee injuries. These absences significantly impact Arsenal’s attacking options, particularly with Ødegaard serving as a crucial creative force in midfield.
Both Ben White and Martin Zubimendi missed training earlier in the week, albeit for workload management rather than injury concerns. Arteta highlighted the necessity of this approach, noting, “All the players come from different countries and different amounts of games and minutes played. We believed it was the right thing to do to allow Zubimendi to miss training.”
Fixture Schedule and Challenges
Arsenal faces a challenging slate of games following this matchup, with a total of seven fixtures scheduled over just 22 days before the next international break. The looming Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid adds further urgency, prompting Arteta to consider tactical rotations within the squad.
Predicted Lineup
Despite the injuries, Arsenal’s lineup still maintains a formidable presence. The predicted Arsenal XI for the match against Fulham, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation, is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Leonardo Calafiori
- Midfielders: Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino
- Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard
Injury Concerns
- Injured Players:
- Gabriel Jesus (knee)
- Kai Havertz (knee)
- Martin Ødegaard (knee)
- Noni Madueke (knee)
Given Ødegaard’s absence, a central role may be filled by Eberechi Eze, who has shown promise. Alternatively, young talent Ethan Nwaneri could also be considered if Arteta opts for fresh legs and dynamism in midfield.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM BST
- Venue: Craven Cottage, London
- Broadcast: The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports.
Conclusion
As Arsenal prepares for this important Premier League clash against Fulham, the absence of several key players poses a challenge. However, the potential return of Piero Hincapie introduces new possibilities to the lineup. With a strong squad still in place and the prospect of rotation to manage player fatigue, Arsenal will look to secure a vital three points as they embark on a demanding period of fixtures.
This match is significant not only for the points but also for building momentum ahead of the Champions League encounter with Atlético Madrid. Arteta’s tactical decisions and the players stepping up in the absence of their teammates will be crucial in determining Arsenal’s performance against Fulham and beyond. Fans can expect an exciting matchup, one that could solidify Arsenal’s standing in the league as they aim for a strong start to the season.
