Arsenal injury update: David Raya, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Arsenal could be without several first-team players against Bolton

Mikel Arteta has an increasing number of injury issues to deal with as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Arsenal.

The Gunners had to settle for a point against Manchester City on Sunday, conceding a last-minute equaliser having played more than 45 minutes with ten men, and their defensive efforts could have come at a cost.

Mikel Arteta’s side were already without the likes of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while more changes were required during the match.

The Arsenal boss has since suggested an Arsenal player potentially picked up a “serious” injury against City, which would further add to a significant list of absentees.

Mikel Arteta is facing an ever-growing injury list

Fabrizio Carabelli/PA Wire

David Raya

Raya has been Arsenal’s player of the season so far, but there is concern over his fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Bolton in midweek.

The goalkeeper was filmed limping and with a bandage on his knee as he left the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, sparking fears he had picked up an issue in the dramatic draw with City.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Bolton’s visit to the Emirates on Wednesday night, Arteta confirmed that a late decision will be made on Raya’s availability, suggesting the Spaniard remains a doubt.

He said: “Let’s see how they are today. We’ll try to make a call on that if we believe that’s a possibility.”

Potential return date: Wednesday September 25, vs Bolton

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal remain without Odegaard after he suffered a “significant” ankle injury earlier this month.

The midfielder came off while on international duty with Norway against Austria after landing awkwardly on his left ankle, and he was later pictured on crutches as he returned to London.

Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta offered a timeline of sorts for the first time.

He said: “I think it will be a matter of weeks. How long exactly, I cannot tell you.”

Pressed on whether Odegaard could return before next month’s international break, the Arsenal boss admitted that would be a “surprise.”

Potential return date: Late October 2024

Martin Odegaard had to be helped from the pitch after taking a blow to his ankle

TV2

Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori has had injury issues to contend with since his summer arrival, missing the north London derby after a freak collision with Ousmane Dembele during the international break.

The Italian has since returned and made his full Arsenal debut against City, scoring a stunning equaliser to mark the occasion as he impressed at left-back.

Calafiori went down off the ball in the second-half and had to be replaced, but Arteta suggested that was due to the defender not yet being up to full match fitness.

“They haven’t played 90 minutes in this context that's for sure, especially in the last week with what they've had to do,” he said of Calafiori and Timber.

“Everybody is so willing to help the team. We will find solutions.”

Potential return date: Wednesday September 25, vs Bolton

Mikel Merino

Merino is continuing to recover from a shoulder injury that has prevented him from making his debut for Arsenal.

He picked up the issue in his first training session for the club, but reports suggest Merino has been seen without a sling as he moves towards returning to fitness.

It was reported at the time that the midfielder would miss two months of action, meaning his debut will not come until at least after the next international break.

Potential return date: Late October 2024

Mikel Merino has not yet made a first appearance in an Arsenal shirt

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Jurrien Timber

It has been a busy week for Timber, who has started all three matches since the international break.

The Dutchman was shifted to right-back against City and played 90 minutes, until he was unable to continue in stoppage-time and came off for Lewis-Skelly.

However, Timber spoke after the match and provided a positive update on his fitness.

"It's been a long time since I've played so many games, especially in seven days, so that's really good,” he said.

Potential return date: Wednesday September 25, vs Bolton

Oleksandr Zinchenko

There has been no sign of Zinchenko in an Arsenal shirt since he featured for Ukraine against Czechia earlier this month.

The left-back has missed the last three Arsenal matches with a calf injury, as he was again not named in the squad against former club City.

He now appears unlikely to return before the international break, with Arteta confirming he will be out for “a few weeks”.

Potential return date: Late October 2024

Oleksandr Zinchenko has not played since the international break

Action Images via Reuters

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu has not yet played a single minute for Arsenal this season, having suffered a knee injury in the summer.

The Japanese defender has not returned to training and a recent vague update from Arteta suggests that a return is not imminent.

"At the moment, it’s difficult to say," the Arsenal boss said.

"It’s a bit slow the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more on that."

Potential return date: Unknown

Kieran Tierney

Tierney has been out since he picked up a serious hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro 2024.

As a result, the left-back was not able to secure a summer move away from Arsenal, and has surprisingly been named in the club’s Champions League squad, despite remaining on the sidelines.

Arteta said last month: "He needs to focus on recovering in the best possible way, it’s been a tough time for him again with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he gets back fit."

Potential return date: Unknown