Current Arsenal injury list

Italy's defender #05 Riccardo Calafiori lies on the football pitch during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Italy’s defender #05 Riccardo Calafiori lies on the football pitch during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Kieran Tierney

  • Injury: Hamstring
  • Status: In individual training
  • Out since: June 19 2024
  • Expected to return: End of September/early October 2024

Kieran Tierney has resumed individual training following a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024. Tierney shared images on Instagram confirming his progress, as he runs on the pitch at London Colney. Though not yet involved in full team sessions, the Scotland international is edging closer to a return. Mikel Arteta previously stated Tierney would be out for “a few weeks,” and his comeback may coincide with Arsenal’s League Cup match against Bolton on September 25th.

Takehiro Tomiysau

  • Injury: Knee
  • Status: In recovery
  • Out since: Pre-season 24/25
  • Expected to return: Unknown

“Yeah, I think it will take weeks on that one unfortunately,” Arteta admitted almost a month ago. “He’s going to have to be patient and work through it because I think it’s going to take a few weeks.”

Gabriel Jesus

  • Injury: Groin
  • Status: In recovery
  • Out since: Pre-season 24/25
  • Expected to return: v Tottenham 15 September 2024

Gabriel Jesus could return to action after the international break, potentially in time for Arsenal’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. After missing Arsenal’s last two Premier League games due to injury, Jesus is stepping up his recovery, with hope he could join training during the break. Arsenal will face key matches against Spurs, Atalanta, and Manchester City, making Jesus’ return vital. Despite Kai Havertz’s good form, Jesus’ availability would ease pressure on Arsenal’s attacking options.

Mikel Merino

  • Injury: Fractured shoulder
  • Status: In recovery
  • Out since: 30 August 2024
  • Expected to return: 11 October 2024 (six weeks minimum)

Mikel Merino, may be sidelined for at least six weeks if a shoulder fracture is confirmed, according to reports. Merino, who joined from Real Sociedad, sustained the injury in training before making his debut. Mikel Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s absence for “a few weeks,” but the injury could be more severe, with The Athletic reporting it could extend to six weeks. This would see Merino miss key matches against Brighton, Spurs, Manchester City, and others, along with Champions League and League Cup fixtures.

Riccardo Calafiori

  • Injury: Calf/ankle
  • Status: Doubt
  • Out since: Picked up injury playing for Italy v France 6 September 2024
  • Expected to return: Unclear

Arsenal’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, has been sent back to London after initially being deemed fit to continue with Italy’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 22-year-old defender suffered a calf injury following a collision with French winger Ousmane Dembele during Italy’s 3-1 win over France. Although early reports suggested the injury was minor, with Italy manager Luciano Spalletti expressing optimism, further assessments revealed the injury is worse than initially feared. More here.

Martin Odegaard

  • Injury: Ankle sprain
  • Status: Doubt
  • Out since: Picked up injury playing for Norway v Austria 9 September 2024
  • Expected to return: Unclear

Martin Ødegaard was forced to leave the pitch in tears during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria. Ødegaard twisted his ankle in a tangle with Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner and was helped off by teammate Erling Haaland. The injury, described as a small ankle sprain by Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand, raises doubts about Ødegaard’s availability for the NLD. “It didn’t look good in the dressing room,” said Norway’s national coach Stale Solbakken. “It’s a sprain and not so bad if no ligaments are torn,” added Sand later. More here.

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.