The Gunners still have some key players sidelined due to injury problems. And they will be preparing to host two big games at the Emirates this week during this crisis situation. Their first challenge is against Shakhtar Dontesk in the UCL on Wednesday night. And then Arsenal will be preparing for one of of the biggest game of the season against Liverpool on Sunday.
As of now Arsenal are standing at the 3rd place in the Premier League table. Until last week they were just a point behind Arne Slot’s side who are the current table toppers. And on the same page with defending champions Man City who are at the 2nd place. But after the 2-0 loss against Bournemouth away from home last weekend, the difference increased.
And to add more problems to the troubled North London side, their key defender William Saliba is suspended against Liverpool after he got a straight red last weekend. Saliba is one of the best defender’s in the world right now and the pillar of Arsenal’s defense. So, it will be really hard for them to face the likes of Mo Salah and Luis Diaz without him.
Arsenal injury update
However, there are also some other players who can’t feature against the Reds later this weekend. And some who will return ahead of that fixture. So, here is the list of all the players who are still injured and their potential return dates.
Bukayo Saka
Saka got injured during his national duties with the Three Lions, when he featured in the shocking loss against Greece earlier this month. He left the pitch by limping off due to a hamstring issue. But it was reported that the English winger will be available for the game against Bournemouth last weekend.
However, he didn’t manage to recover in time. And manager Arteta said,
“We tried the last few days but he didn’t have the right feeling. There was no point pushing him and we have very good options as well.”
But in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League clash against Shakhtar, Arteta claimed that Saka is very close to return to the side and he can also play the ucl game.
Potential Return Date: 22nd October vs Shakhtar Donetsk/ 27th October vs Liverpool
Martin Odegard
Gunners captain Martin Odegard hasn’t played a game for them since 31st August. As he suffered from an ankle injury during the national duties with Norway. However, Odegard himself confirmed that he is recovering ahead of time and can play again soon.
Though the Shakhtar game is too early for the number 8 but he can be included in the squad for the next games before the end of October. While asked about Odegard’s return on Monday in the pre- match conference, Arteta said,
“He is closer and progressing really well. But Martin is still not fit. There are certain things he needs to be comfortable with doing, especially with the ball. Next week will be crucial to understanding how close he is.”
Even if he misses the Liverpool game, then the Carabo cup’s r-16 match against Preston on 30th October will be a great game for him to return to the pitch.
Potential Return Date: 30th October vs Preston/ November
Jurrien Timber
As per the reports of The Standard, Arsenal fullback Jurrien Timber was supposed to return to the side right after the international break. As he was forced off to be replaced due to hamstring problems at the half time break during the UCL match against PSG. But the Dutch international still haven’t returned yet. It seems like Arsenal are being patience with Timber as he missed the entire of the last season due to injuries.
While asked about Timber’s situation Arteta said,
“It is going to be close. We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group. But he is pretty close.”
Potential Return Date: 22nd October vs Shakhtar Donetsk/ 27the October vs Liverpool
Other Arsenal injured players
On the other hand fullbacks Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kiernan Tierney are still out due to injury. Tomiyasu, who made a late appearance coming off the bench against Southampton has suffered another blow before the Bournemouth trip. And in case of Tierney, the Scottish international hasn’t played a game since the Euro’s group stage matches in June. His return date is still unknown.
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