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.

Jurrien Timber finally set to make Arsenal comeback

Jurrien Timber is set to make his comeback after the international break, though it’s not yet certain if he’ll be involved against Manchester City.

Jurrien Timber (L) in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Jurrien Timber (L) in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Kaya Kaynak of Football.London reports that barring any setbacks, Jurrien Timber is set to return for Arsenal after the international break.

Kaynak adds that it’s not yet clear whether Timber will be involved against Manchester City, but he’s set to be involved in the business end of the season if things continue to go well.

Arsenal have been managing the player’s reintegration carefully, holding him back from any sessions that might put too much stress on his knee. But in other sessions, he’s fully involved with the group.

Jurrien Timber in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Jurrien Timber in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)

This is consistent with the reports from late last month, which revealed that Timber was close to a return to full training, but not quite there yet.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail wrote at the time that Timber was approaching availability, with Simon Collings of The Standard reporting that the player was aiming to play a role in the run-in.

With Arsenal’s next game against Premier League title rivals Manchester City, it seems unlikely Timber will be thrown back into the mix immediately.

After such a long time out, a game away to the reigning champions of the competition isn’t the ideal time to make your comeback.

Jurrien Timber in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Jurrien Timber in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Perhaps a more realistic target is the following game, when Arsenal face Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium.

We’ll see how things progress over the international break, with the club sharing pictures of Timber in training again this week.

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.