Mikel Arteta has been dealt a worrying hand in the past few weeks, with injury problems piling up ahead of the international break.
With multiple players hobbling off in the Champions League in midweek, Arsenal are nearing bare bones.
Arsenal injury news:
Bukayo Saka
Saka was taken off after a brilliant performance against Sevilla, replaced by Jakub Kiwior after landing awkwardly.
The forward has a brilliant history with fitness, and Arteta is hoping the England international will be ready. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “We want our players to play for their club and national team. Bukayo didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”
Saka makes it look so easy pic.twitter.com/8nQSZYCg50
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) November 10, 2023
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard was left out of the squad against Newcastle and Sevilla after failing to be passed fit in time for either outing.
His hip issue isn’t deemed to be too serious, and he could return this weekend.
Arteta has described the Norwegian’s availability as ‘uncertain’, but the chances of a return are hopeful.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The versatile defender was replaced at half-time during the Champions League clash with Sevilla on Wednesday, by Oleksandr Zinchenko.
After the game, Arteta confirmed that the Japanese international felt a slight issue before coming off: “Tomi was feeling something so we didn’t want to take the risk so we bought Alex [Oleksandr Zinchenko] back”
The injury is being assessed closer to the time of the game, before a decision on availability is made.
Takehiro Tomiyasu on if VAR is improving the game: “I don’t know to be honest, but it’s better not to say a lot of things because I’m a player! My job is to play & perform on the pitch – that’s it.”
🎥 @HaytersTV pic.twitter.com/xwgOmAIFCA
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) November 7, 2023
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah missed out on the Champions League game midweek, due to a knock that was a result of the Gunners 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.
It’s believed the issue is not serious and he could be involved against Burnley this weekend.
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has missed out on the last few Arsenal matches after suffering another fitness setback.
After recently returning to the squad, Arteta revealed that the midfielder would ‘be out for weeks’ with his latest issue. The 23-year-old will be aiming to return to full fitness as soon as possible in his bid to reclaim a regular role in the team.
Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey
Both Jesus and Partey have been out of action for multiple weeks, with the absence of the duo set to continue.
Jesus suffered a hamstring injury during his man-of-the-match performance against Sevilla last month, scoring a goal and providing an assist before limping off later in the game.
It is thought the Brazilian will be back after the International break.
The latter has recently undergone a ‘procedure’, that will keep the midfielder out until the new year.
Jurrien Timber
The 22-year-old Dutchman has been out since the Gunners season opener against Nottingham Forest, suffering an ACL injury.
The defender continues his recovery and will hope to return in early 2024.
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