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.

Arsenal navigate through growing injury woes

Here’s a comprehensive update on the current status of players, with detailed timelines for their expected returns.

Fresh concerns

Bukayo Saka (foot), Declan Rice (back) and Leandro Trossard (muscular) were newly added to the injury list, with Rice and Saka picking up their injuries against Tottenham on 24 September 2023 and Trossard picking up his in training earlier in the week.

The specifics of their expected return dates are yet to be confirmed but none are said to be serious with Rice and Trossard expected to be back for the Premier League game against Bournemouth at the weekend if they do not make it for Brentford in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Saka is expected to be back for the Man City game, if not before. Ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Brentford, Arteta told reporters, “He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session. It’s a possibility (he could miss the Bournemouth game).”

Recent cases

Lotte Wubben-Moy and Gabriel Martinelli have been out of action since 17 September 2023. Wubben-Moy, who has a muscular injury, is set to return for the start of the new FA WSL season, and is expected to face Liverpool.

Martinelli’s hamstring injury leaves him without a confirmed return date but he is expected to miss the Brentford game.

Longer layoffs

Thomas Partey has been absent since 1 September 2023 due to a groin injury. There is still no confirmed timeline for his return to action although there are rumours he could be back for the game against City.

Extended absences

Henry Timi Davies has been sidelined since 19 August 2023 and Mika Biereth since the same date. Davies is dealing with an ACL injury requiring surgery, while Biereth is expected to return from his knee injury in December 2023.

Teyah Goldie and Jurrien Timber, both nursing ACL injuries, have been out since 12 August 2023 and are expected to miss the entire season.

Laura Wienroither has been unavailable since 1 May 2023, and Leah Williamson since 19 April 2023, both with ACL injuries requiring surgery. Williamson is hoping to return to action in January.

Nearly there

Vivianne Miedema, who has been recovering since 15 December 2022, is back in training after her ACL injury. She is expected to be match-fit soon but will miss the start of the 2023/24 season which starts on Sunday against Liverpool.

Live Arsenal injury table

Arsenal are expected to miss Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard for their League Cup game against Brentford, as both players continue to be assessed for their injuries.

Arsenal are set to be without Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard for their upcoming League Cup match against Brentford.

Both players are undergoing assessments for their injuries, but neither is expected to feature in Wednesday’s fixture.

They join Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey on the injury list.

Rice has a back issue, while the severity of Trossard’s hamstring or knee problem is still being determined.

Arsenal injury updates ahead of Tottenham clash: 1 doubt, 1 out

As the clock counts down to Arsenal’s eagerly awaited north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta has updated the media on the fitness of key players Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey.

The Brazilian forward’s participation hangs in the balance, while the Ghanaian midfielder has been ruled out.

Martinelli’s uncertain status

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder #11 Gabriel Martinelli is treated by a member of the medical staff before being substituted off during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 17, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder #11 Gabriel Martinelli is treated by a member of the medical staff before being substituted off during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 17, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli, the Brazilian forward, was forced to exit the game in the first half against Everton last week due to a hamstring issue.

“With Gabi we are still assessing him, so let’s see if he can make the game or not,” Mikel Arteta said.

Thomas Partey ruled out

Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey speaks to Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey speaks to Arsenal’s English striker Eddie Nketiah (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Conversely, Thomas Partey, who has been sidelined since the Manchester United match due to a groin issue, will not be part of the squad.

“Thomas [Partey] for sure is out,” confirmed Arteta.

“The rest we hope are available, yes we still have two training sessions, but there were no big issues in midweek.”

In the lead-up to what Arteta referred to as “our biggest game of the season so far,” the manager discussed the challenging aspect of team selection.

“When you have to announce the line-up, it’s one of the hardest things, because players feel happy and valued when they play,” he stated.

While Arsenal faces a challenging encounter against an unbeaten Tottenham side, Arteta remains cautiously optimistic about the squad he will be able to field.

As for Martinelli, his status will be closely monitored in the run-up to the match.

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.