Arsenal picked up a huge three points in Premier League action against Leicester City on Saturday with two late goals seeing them win 4-2. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were all on-target with a Wilfried Ndidi own goal also proving decisive after a brace from Foxes’ defender James Justin.
After Trossard’s red card against Manchester City and suspension served in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton, the Belgium international made a significant impact on his return. To the surprise of many, David Raya also featured in the starting XI after picking up a thigh injury – although defender Ben White was still absent.
Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori retained their spots, as the chosen full-backs, despite both being subbed-off last weekend because of injury concerns. Although Mikel Arteta remains without his creative talisman and captain Martin Odegaard, the Gunners still found a way to score goals.
The Norway international appears no closer to his return, but a different midfielder in Mikel Merino could back in contention for their next Premier League match with Southampton. Before that, though, Paris Saint-Germain are set to visit the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League showdown on Tuesday night (8pm).
With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal injury news following Leicester, and with PSG now the focus;
Ben White
Injury: Groin
White was absent for a second consecutive game after coming off the substitutes bench last weekend against Manchester City, despite carrying an injury at that time.
What Arteta has said: “Jurrien [Timber] was able to take part in training, that’s good news, so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben [White] too.”
Possible return date: Unknown
David Raya
Injury: Thigh
To the surprise of many, after not being spotted arriving at the Arsenal team hotel on Friday evening, David Raya started the 4-2 win against Leicester.
What Arteta has said: “We have to wait 24 hours to see if it’s looking good or not that good. It’s not about a risk, it’s about the player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is the main thing we’re thinking about at the moment, we will make that decision.”
Possible return date: Returned
Mikel Merino
Injury: Shoulder
Merino is yet to play for Arsenal after breaking his shoulder in his first training session, although his return could arrive next month.
What Arteta has said: “[Leicester] is too soon. Next week, we’ll see. He had partial training. He’s been working so hard and it’s looking good. It’s about the healing of the bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact.”
Possible return date: Bournemouth (A) – October 19
Martin Odegaard
Injury: Ankle
The influential Arsenal skipper missed the North London Derby win due to an ankle injury sustained during the international break. His return date remains uncertain.
What Arteta has said: “After recent scans, they’ve showed that he’s got some damage especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. We’re going to miss him. It’s quite significant, so we’re going to lose him for a while.”
Possible return date: Late October
Jurrien Timber
Injury: Unknown
Timber played 90 minutes against Leicester and picked up an assist after missing the midweek cup victory.
What Arteta has said: “Jurrien [Timber] was able to take part in training, that’s good news, so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben [White] too.”
Possible return date: Returned
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Injury: Calf
Side-lined due to an injury sustained during October’s international break, which also kept him out of the North London Derby and subsequent matches. He has not returned to training yet.
Possible return date: Unknown
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Injury: Knee
The Japan defender is out of action again after a previous season marred by injuries, with no appearances so far this campaign. Arteta has spoken about his condition.
What Arteta has said: “At the moment, it’s difficult to say [when he will return]. It’s a bit slow the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more than that… He’s not done any training yet.”
Possible return date: TBC
Kieran Tierney
Injury: Hamstring
Initially expected to be leaving Arsenal, Kieran Tierney then endured a hamstring injury while playing at the Euro 2024 with Scotland. Despite these challenges, he was named in Arsenal’s 25-man Premier League squad earlier in the month, but hasn’t returned to training as yet.
What Arteta has said: “He needs to focus now on recovering in the best possible way. It’s been a tough time for him, with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he comes back fit.”
Possible return date: Unknown
