Christos Tzolis lasted just 18 minutes of Greece's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands before collapsing to the turf, grabbing his hamstring and pulling his jersey over his face. Not the image Arsenal wanted to see during the international break.
He was replaced by Giorgos Masouras, though there was one moderately encouraging sign — Tzolis appeared eager to carry on after receiving treatment. Manager Ivan Jovanović wasn't taking chances and took him off regardless. Whether that's routine caution or genuine concern, Arsenal won't know until the medical team at London Colney get their hands on him.
The list keeps growing
This is becoming a pattern. Kai Havertz is already back in London after picking up a suspected hamstring strain with Germany, and he's doubtful for the Leeds United fixture next weekend. Martin Ødegaard gave everyone a scare with an ankle knock from Bernardo Silva's late challenge, though Norway insisted he was fine — and he started against Wales to back that up. Ezri Konsa missed a training session but made the bench against Czechia. Declan Rice didn't even show up to the England camp, pulled back early for load management.
Then there's the longer-term list: Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and William Saliba are all out. Saliba is reportedly targeting a return to training in November, though given the back problem that's kept him sidelined for months, Mikel Arteta won't be rushing him. Mosquera is expected back for Leeds.
Piero Hincapié is another name to watch — left out of the Carabao Cup squad against Ipswich, then travelling to Brighton days later. His availability is unclear, and with Jurrien Timber being carefully managed after a 10-minute cameo for the Netherlands, Arsenal's defensive depth is being stretched thin.
Eze as the last option on the left
If Tzolis is out, Arteta's options on the left flank narrow quickly. Eberechi Eze is the most natural fit, but that's a thin bench to work from. Noni Madueke could theoretically cover, though he's been used primarily to rotate with Bukayo Saka on the right — and given Saka's workload, burning that cover on the opposite flank creates its own problem.
Arsenal's attacking depth has looked like a strength this season. Right now it's starting to look like a question. The odds on them keeping a consistent front line through a congested fixture run deserve another look — the roster is being stress-tested before October is even finished.
At least Viktor Gyökeres scored twice for Sweden, Bruno Guimarães got on the scoresheet for Brazil, and Mikel Merino chipped in with an assist for Spain in their 4-1 win over Croatia. Small mercies when half the squad is on the treatment table.
