Arsenal Injury Update: Saliba, Saka & Havertz Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash
As Arsenal prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, manager Mikel Arteta faces a growing injury crisis. Key first-team players William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz are all sidelined, potentially weakening the Gunners’ lineup in a crucial early-season match. Here’s the latest on their conditions and expected return dates.
William Saliba
William Saliba suffered a twisted ankle during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal’s recent match against Liverpool. Despite initially being named in the starting XI, the French defender was clearly struggling and had to be substituted within the opening five minutes. Arteta later confirmed that Saliba had picked up the injury shortly before kickoff but had attempted to play through it.
While the injury isn’t believed to be long-term, reports suggest Saliba is expected to be out for “several weeks.” Arsenal’s medical staff are monitoring his progress closely, but a return before the end of September is considered unlikely. His absence leaves a significant void in the heart of Arsenal’s defence, with Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White likely to cover in central positions.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh hamstring injury in the recent win over Leeds United. This is the second such injury the England winger has sustained in less than a year, prompting concern over his long-term fitness management.
Arteta has indicated that the club will assess the recurring issue to prevent further setbacks. For now, Saka is expected to miss at least the next two to three weeks, ruling him out of the Forest game and possibly the Champions League group stage opener. A return in early October is the current best-case scenario, depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz’s situation is slightly more serious. The German midfielder underwent minor knee surgery following an injury sustained during Arsenal’s season opener against Manchester United. The operation, believed to have addressed a meniscus issue, was successful, and Havertz is now in recovery.
Initial estimates suggest a return to full fitness in around six to eight weeks, placing his comeback sometime in late October. While not a long-term concern, his absence will be felt in midfield, especially as Arteta continues to experiment with new attacking setups. Until his return, the likes of Fabio Vieira or Emile Smith Rowe could see increased involvement.
Implications for the Nottingham Forest Match
With all three players ruled out, Arsenal will need to reshuffle their lineup against Nottingham Forest. Saliba’s absence could mean a return to a more conservative backline, while Saka’s injury opens the door for players like Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, or potentially Gabriel Martinelli (if fit) to step into the wide attacking roles. In midfield, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Thomas Partey may form a more traditional trio in Havertz’s absence.
These setbacks are a real test of Arsenal’s squad depth early in the season. How well Arteta navigates this challenging period could have a significant impact on the Gunners’ title ambitions.