Arsenal’s Injury Setbacks and Expected Return Dates Revealed | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Injury Concerns Grow as Key Players Edge Towards Return

Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory has been hit by a mounting injury list, with Mikel Arteta’s squad stretched thin. Despite a 2-0 victory over Leicester, where makeshift striker Mikel Merino stepped up, the Gunners remain in desperate need of reinforcements as they prepare for crucial fixtures against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

With the season’s defining period approaching, here’s a look at Arsenal’s key injury concerns and their expected return dates.

Bukayo Saka’s Recovery on Track

Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December after suffering a hamstring tear, a significant blow for Arsenal’s attacking options. Initially ruled out until March, fans were given hope last week when the club shared images of Saka training in the gym in Dubai.

Mikel Arteta remains cautious about the winger’s return, unwilling to risk a setback in what is a long-term recovery process.

“I don’t know, we have a long-term injury, so what is faster?” Arteta explained. “In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it’s 30 per cent, but in three months, a week is probably not that much.

“It’s too early, he’s in an early stage of the rehab, so when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and has more load, we will see where he is. There’s no setback, he’s fine.”

Saka is being earmarked for a potential return in early March, with Arsenal hopeful he could feature in their Champions League last-16 tie or their crucial league trip to Manchester United.

Potential return date: March

Gabriel Martinelli Facing Key Spell on Sidelines

Gabriel Martinelli’s absence adds to Arsenal’s attacking woes, with the Brazilian forward sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on February 5. Forced off in the first half at St James’ Park, Martinelli is expected to miss around a month of action.

Photo IMAGO

This timeline rules him out of fixtures against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, while his availability for the Champions League last-16 first leg, as well as league encounters against Manchester United and Chelsea, remains uncertain.

Potential return date: March

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Season in Doubt

Takehiro Tomiyasu has endured a frustrating campaign, featuring for just six minutes this season. The Japanese defender had already spent three months recovering from a knee injury before making a brief substitute appearance in October. Now, his season looks all but over after undergoing knee surgery this week.

Tomiyasu took to social media to share an update on his condition: “I’ve had a surgery on my knee a few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again.

“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”

Arsenal have since confirmed that his rehabilitation is expected to last until late 2025, meaning he will miss the remainder of this season.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Kai Havertz’s Setback Adds to Arsenal’s Woes

Arsenal have been dealt another blow with Kai Havertz undergoing hamstring surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season. The German forward suffered the injury while blocking a shot during training in Dubai, and surgery was deemed necessary to aid his recovery.

Havertz shared an update from his hospital bed, writing: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.

Photo: IMAGO

“Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped. I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”

Arsenal anticipate that he will be back in time for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Potential return date: Start of 2025-26 season

Gabriel Jesus Faces Uncertain Recovery Timeline

Gabriel Jesus’ injury troubles have continued, with the Brazilian forward undergoing surgery on a serious knee issue in January. Arsenal have yet to provide a definitive timeline for his recovery, leaving his potential return date uncertain.

Potential return date: Unknown