Latest Arsenal Injury Updates: Who’s Out and Expected Return Dates

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: William Saliba of Arsenal leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

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.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal takes a shot at goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal takes a shot at goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

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for The Standard that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit for Saturday’s game against Brentford, despite being withdrawn at half-time of Monday’s match away to Sheffield United.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Yet the 22-year-old was withdrawn at half-time, with Mikel Arteta confirming afterwards that the player was feeling sick.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.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is helped off the pitch by medical staff after an injury during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is helped off the pitch by medical staff after an injury during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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.

Arsenal's Japanese defender #18 Takehiro Tomiyasu reacts prior to the English League Cup third round football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Brentford Community Stadium in London on September 27, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu reacts prior to the English League Cup third round football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Brentford Community Stadium in London on September 27, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Partey set to feature

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Thomas Partey of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Thomas Partey of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal reacts prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on February 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal reacts prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on February 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

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

DOHA, QATAR - JANUARY 24: Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ayase Ueda of Japan line up prior to the AFC Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and Indonesia at Al Thumama Stadium on January 24, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR – JANUARY 24: Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ayase Ueda of Japan line up prior to the AFC Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and Indonesia at Al Thumama Stadium on January 24, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

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

Arsenal's Brazilian striker #09 Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on January 30, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian striker #09 Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on January 30, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

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 in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)
Jurrien Timber in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

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?

Jurrien Timber in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)
Jurrien Timber in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

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.

Jurrien Timber in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)
Jurrien Timber in training with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

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.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates victory in front of their fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates victory in front of their fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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.