Keep up-to-date with Arsenal injury news from across all teams at the club.
Latest on Saka & Martinelli ahead of Brentford clash
Bukayo Saka has overcome his sickness issue and looks set to be available for Arsenal’s match against Brentford on Saturday, according to a report.
Simon Collings reports for The Standard that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit for Saturday’s game against Brentford, despite being withdrawn at half-time of Monday’s match away to Sheffield United.
Saka had been excellent in the first half of the Sheffield United match, constantly threatening the hosts.
The winger hit the bar in the first couple of minutes, then forced an own goal by Jayden Bogle 10 minutes later. Later in the half, Saka assisted Declan Rice’s goal for 5-0.
Yet the 22-year-old was withdrawn at half-time, with Mikel Arteta confirming afterwards that the player was feeling sick.
Thankfully, that illness appears to have cleared up now, and Saka will be involved in training on Thursday.
Another concern from the Sheffield United match was around Gabriel Martinelli, with Arteta revealing that the winger had suffered a cut to his foot.
The Standard report that Martinelli is due to be assessed, so there’s no clarity yet on whether he’ll be available on Saturday.
You wouldn’t think a cut would keep a player out for too long, so the only concern is that it turns out to be something more serious.
Arsenal host FC Porto in their Champions League last-16 second leg next Tuesday, and they’ll certainly want Martinelli back for that.
Arteta had a positive update on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s situation in his post-match press conference on Monday, with the defender still to return to club action after the AFC Asian Cup.
“He’s very close, he’s already doing something on the grass and hopefully we’re going to have him very close with us,” Arteta said.
The Athletic report that Tomiyasu is edging closer to a return.
Arsenal’s only other two injuries are to Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and neither player seems particularly far off a return, though Timber is unlikely to be back before the international break at least.
David Raya will also be ineligible for Arsenal’s next game, as the Gunners face the loanee’s parent side, Brentford.
Promising Arsenal injury updates on Partey, Zinchenko, Tomiyasu & Jesus ahead of Sheffield United
Arsenal fans received mostly positive injury news ahead of their upcoming match against Sheffield United.
Manager Mikel Arteta provided updates on several key players, offering a glimpse into the Gunners’ potential squad for Monday’s fixture.
- Thomas Partey‘s return strengthens Arsenal‘s midfield ahead of their Sheffield United clash.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu‘s potential availability would offer Arteta additional defensive options.
- Gabriel Jesus‘s gradual return is a sensible approach considering his importance to the team.
- Jurrien Timber‘s comeback adds excitement but will be managed cautiously.
Partey set to feature
In positive news, Thomas Partey is expected to rejoin the Arsenal squad after missing recent matches.
Arteta confirmed the influential midfielder has completed multiple training sessions and is likely to be available against Sheffield United.
“Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday,” Mikel Arteta told reporters at his pre-Sheffield United press conference.
Zinchenko and Tomiyasu remain question marks
The availability of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu remains uncertain. Arteta indicated a final decision on the fullbacks will be made after the weekend’s training sessions, potentially offering them a chance to return on Monday.
“Those ones are possible but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “If that’s the case, they might be available on Monday.”
Tomiyasu’s injury explained
Arteta revealed Takehiro Tomiyasu‘s recent absence was due to an injury sustained while playing for Japan. He emphasised it was not a recurrence of a previous issue but required careful management to avoid a prolonged absence.
“He had an injury; in the last game that he played with Japan he felt something and he was out,” Arteta explained. “We expect him to recover a little bit shorter but he was struggling at the beginning of the recovery and we decided to extend that period to be more certain because he is a player we really need. We are short and we cannot risk him being out for months.”
Jesus update: Cautious optimism
Arteta reassured fans that Gabriel Jesus is “fit enough,” but the focus lies on managing his return carefully. The Gunners want to avoid any setbacks with their star striker, opting for a gradual reintegration to build match fitness. As we reported earlier this week, Arsenal will be managing Jesus’ injury for the rest of the season.
The manager clarified that Jesus’s earlier knee procedure “was resolved” and that further surgery is unlikely. The Brazilian’s recent injury issues stem from different areas, not a recurrence of the previous problem.
“No that didn’t happen – it was the result of what happened when he got a knock in another area and that caused a different kind of injury,” Arteta said. “It wasn’t related to the first one and then he had a little niggle, it was a muscle issue and I kept him out for 10 days.”
Timber’s recovery surprises
Jurrien Timber‘s presence in training brought a boost of optimism. Arteta praised the young Dutch defender’s “determination” and positive recovery progress. However, the club remains cautious as they manage the final stages of his rehabilitation from a complex injury. Timber’s return would offer Arteta greater tactical versatility and attacking options at the back.
“It’s been a joy and all the physios and the medical staff are really happy with his attitude, and his commitment, especially with the way things have gone,” Arteta said. “It’s not a coincidence the way he applies [himself], how determined he is, his willingness to put every effort in everything that he’s demanded to do and he’s in a really good place. Now we have to manage [him] because it’s the last stage of that difficult injury that is complicated, but I think he’s on the right way.”
Arsenal‘s squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks. Successful integration of returning players could provide the Gunners with a necessary edge in their close title race.
Jurrien Timber is back in first-team training with Arsenal and closing in on a return to full training, but when will he play again?
Arsenal posted pictures and videos of Jurrien Timber in training with the first team at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with the summer signing stepping up his recovery from injury.
Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Timber is not quite yet in full training, but he’s expected to make that transition in the coming days.
Simon Collings explains for the Evening Standard that Timber didn’t take part in the entirety of Arsenal’s first-team session on Wednesday, but he joined in with the main group after some initial individual work.
As for when Timber will be back in action, Mokbel writes that Timber’s inclusion on Wednesday is an indication that the defender is now approaching availability.
But Collings reports that Timber is still a way away from full fitness, and he’s currently aiming to play a role during the run-in.
With the Chelsea game being postponed, Arsenal have three more games before the international break, with Sheffield United on Monday, Brentford on the Saturday, then FC Porto on the following Tuesday (March 12th).
Given the Porto game is less than a fortnight away and Timber still isn’t quite in full training, it sounds like he’s not going to be back playing before the international break.
After that, Arsenal don’t play until March 31st, when the Gunners travel away to Manchester City. That game would be a big ask for a first game back.
Perhaps a more realistic target is just over a month from now, when Arsenal face Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium. We’ll see how things progress in the coming days.
Live Arsenal injury table
Common injuries and recovery times
Injury | Minor | Moderate | Severe | |
Ankle & Foot injuries | Achilles tendonitis | 6 weeks | 3 months | 6 months + |
Ankle sprain | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Calf muscle strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Fracture dislocation of ankle joint | 6 months + | |||
Os Trigonum Syndrome (floating bone in back of ankle) | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | ||
Plantar fascitis | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months + | |
Knee & Leg injuries | Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) | 4-6 months | ||
Calf muscle strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Cartilage Tear (meniscal tear) | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months + | |
Hamstring strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 3 months | |
Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 3 months | |
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) | 3-5 months | |||
Patella tendonitis | 6 weeks | 3 months | 6 months + | |
Posterior Cruciate Ligament | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 months | |
Thigh strain (Quadriceps strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Tibia & Fibula Fractures | 4-6 months + | |||
Hip & Groin injuries | Abdominal strain (stomach muscle strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
Avulsion fracture pelvis | 8 weeks | |||
Groin strain (Adductor strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Hip flexor strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Hernia | 8 weeks post-op | |||
Iliopsoas Syndrome | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Lower Back injuries | Facet syndrome | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 4 weeks + |
Sciatica | 3-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months | |
Spondylolysis (stress fracture) | 2-3 months | |||
Slipped disc | 3-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months | |
Elbow, wrist & hand injuries | Dislocated finger (Mallet finger) | 2-3 weeks | *GK 8-10 weeks | |
Elbow fracture | 10-12 weeks | |||
Golfer’s elbow | 1 week | 3 weeks | 6 weeks + | |
Tennis elbow | 1 week | 3 weeks | 6 weeks + | |
Metacarpal fractures (hand fractures) | 2-3 weeks | *GK 8-10 weeks | ||
Wrist fractures (Colles and Scaphoid) | 6-8 weeks | |||
Shoulder injuries | Acromio Clavicular (AC) joint sprain | 1 week | 4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
Dislocated shoulder | 6-8 weeks | |||
Fractured collar bone | 6-8 weeks | |||
Fractured humerus | 6-8 weeks | |||
Rotator cuff (muscle problems) | 2 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 8-12 weeks | |
Ruptured biceps tendon | 12 weeks | |||
Subacromial bursitis | 1 week | 2-3 weeks | 6 weeks | |
Neck injuries | Cervical disc prolapse (Slipped disc) | 6 weeks + | ||
Whiplash | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | 2 weeks | |
Data source |
Hamstring injuries
Hamstring injuries are classified into three grades based on their severity. These grades help medical professionals determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 hamstring injury is a minor strain or pull, with only a few muscle fibres affected. There is usually mild pain and discomfort but no significant loss of strength or function. Recovery time for a Grade 1 injury is typically between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the individual and the specific injury.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 hamstring injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This results in more pain, swelling, and possible bruising. The individual might experience difficulty walking or have a limited range of motion. Recovery time for a Grade 2 injury is usually between 4 to 8 weeks.
- Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 hamstring injury is a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and significant loss of function. This type of injury may require surgical intervention, depending on the location and extent of the tear. Recovery time for a Grade 3 injury can range from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the severity and the individual’s healing process.
- It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the quality of the rehabilitation program, and other factors. It’s crucial to follow the advice of medical professionals and adhere to a proper rehabilitation plan to minimise the risk of re-injury and ensure a full recovery.
22/23 Season
Arsenal Players Seek Private Physiotherapy Amid Title Run-In
Discover why Arsenal players are seeking private physiotherapy sessions outside the club to stay in peak physical condition during their title run-in.
As Arsenal face a crucial stage in their Premier League title race, several first-team players have reportedly opted for private physiotherapy sessions beyond the club’s medical staff.
According to MailOnline, the players understand that even minor injuries or discomfort could hinder their chances of success. As a result, they are taking additional precautions to maintain their top physical condition for the upcoming decisive matches.
The report states, “Sportsmail has learned that a number of the Gunners’ first-team squad have sought private physio sessions away from the club’s medical umbrella to ensure their bodies are primed for the title run-in.”
In their recent victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, Arsenal welcomed back key players, including Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, who all recovered from various injuries and illnesses.
Compared to Arsene Wenger’s tenure, when lengthy absences due to injury were common, Arsenal’s current management of player injuries has significantly improved. The fact that players are proactively seeking additional support outside the club’s medical staff showcases the determination and commitment fostered under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.
Stay updated on Arsenal’s title run-in and their players’ efforts to maintain peak physical condition by following our regular coverage and expert analysis.