According to Evening Standard ‘s report on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Arsenal are set to face new fitness challenges as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League clash against Everton.

The North Londoners are set to enter another crucial phase of their campaign as they face a number of difficult tests ahead. Mikel Arteta is expected to be at full strength as his side look to continue their strong run both domestically and in the Champions League.

In particular, Bukayo Saka appears to be sidelined after he picked up a thigh injury during the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The England international had to leave the field after 10 minutes, which has caused disappointment among his teammates and fans. Arteta spoke on the situation, explaining that Saka had “obvious discomfort,” but that “we need to do more tests to know the extent of it.”

Despite the setback, Saka is expected to return to action on October 24, although it is yet to be seen if he will be fit enough to face Everton. In addition to Saka, Arsenal are set to welcome back Piero Hincapie after suffering from an ankle injury.

The Ecuadorian captain had to miss the 1-0 win over Leeds United after suffering the problem during his comeback friendly match. As such, he has not been able to provide cover at the back for Arteta, which has limited his options in his defensive department.

However, Hincapie is expected to return to full training soon, with his return to first-team action likely to be considered by the Spaniard for the upcoming Premier League clash against Everton.

His presence would give Arteta more confidence at the back as he looks to navigate through this busy schedule. On the other hand, the manager is likely to be more cautious due to the nature of the injury.

Finally, another defensive option, Christos Tzolis, finds himself sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Greece against the Netherlands in the Nations League.

The left-back was forced off after going down clutching his hamstring and then having to return to the medical room for tests.

Arteta has since revealed that the winger will require “a few months” before he returns to action.

With that in mind, it is unclear if or when he will be available for selection as his injury is set to keep him out of action until October 24.

If Tzolis is ruled out, it will be a blow to Arsenal in their efforts to make it through this busy schedule. With both Saka and Tzolis sidelined, Arteta will be forced to make difficult decisions in order to get through this busy schedule.

As such, the manager and his staff will be working closely with their medical team to monitor each player’s progress before making any decision.

In the meantime, it is Hincapie who appears to be the closest to returning to action. Saka, on the other hand, will be tested to see how serious his injury is, while Tzolis will be waiting to see when he will return to action.