Arsenal firmly in the hunt for major honours on four fronts this season – despite being robbed of the services of several key players through injury and suspension.
A number of media outlets have already pointed to the Gunners disciplinary record during the opening months of the season – but it would be safe to suggest Mikel Arteta has been somewhat unfortunate when it comes to injuries after facing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur without some influential members of his ranks.
With a hectic schedule lying in wait as the Gunners look to build on their fine start in the Champions League, advance in the Carabao Cup and boost their bid for a first Premier League title in over two decades, we take a look at the latest injury news from within Arteta’s squad
The Norway international is rapidly closing in to a return to action after he suffered a foot injury during last month’s international break. There was some talk he could have returned to contention for last week’s defeat at Bournemouth but Wednesday’s visit to Preston and the weekend trip to Newcastle United now seem to be more realistic targets Predicted return date: This week
William Saliba
Saliba sat out Sunday’s home draw with Liverpool after receiving a one-match ban for the controversial red card he received in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth. However, the France international is now ready to return to action and could be handed a start in Saturday’s game at Newcastle Predicted return date: Saturday 2nd November.
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italy international has made a major impact following his arrival at Arsenal during the summer and has quickly established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Gunners boss confirmed Calafiori was undergoing further tests on a knee injury over the weekend and news is awaited over when the defender could return to contention Predicted return date: Unknown.
Jurrien Timber
The former Ajax defender passed a late fitness test to feature in Sunday’s draw with Liverpool but was replaced with just under quarter of an hour remaining after he seemed to suffer cramp. Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “We done everything that we possibly could to accelerate that process, and he was so willing; the team, the medical staff have done amazing work, and we gave ourselves the chance to compete. I don’t know the extent of the injury.” Predicted return date: Unknown.
Gabriel
There was a major blow for the Gunners during Sunday’s draw after key defender Gabriel seemed to suffered a knee injury in the early stages of the second-half at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta spoke of the injury after the game, saying: “I don’t know, but he could not run. That’s what he said straight away, so I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if it’s the knee joint or the ankle; they are assessing him right now.” Predicted return date: Unknown.
The Scotland defender is yet to appear this season after suffering a serious thigh and hamstring injury during the summer and is not yet ready to return to action Predicted return date: Unknown.
