Arsenal Injury Update: Latest on Saka, Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Odegaard’s Return Dates…

Arsenal has provided an update on the injury status of Saka, Havertz, and Odegaard, including their anticipated return dates.

The Gunners are once again facing concerns regarding the fitness of crucial players during another challenging international break.

For the second consecutive international break, Arsenal is grappling with fresh injury issues affecting key squad members.

Previously, influential captain Martin Odegaard was sidelined during the September internationals, and now Bukayo Saka has raised alarms after exiting England’s disappointing 2-1 Nations League loss to Greece at Wembley.

Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey had already pulled out of international duty this week, adding to a growing list of injury problems that present manager Mikel Arteta with further challenges as they aim to maintain momentum in their Premier League title pursuit against Bournemouth next weekend.

Following the trip to the south coast, Arsenal faces a series of significant matches, including a home game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the revamped Champions League, a crucial clash with league leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, and a Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Preston.

Here is the latest update on Arsenal’s injury situation, highlighting both new concerns and players who may return soon.

Bukayo Saka

Saka was part of the starting lineup for England against Greece on Thursday night, included in an experimental formation that ultimately failed for interim manager Lee Carsley.

Unfortunately, he picked up an injury during the buildup to Vangelis Pavlidis’ opening goal shortly after halftime and left the pitch gingerly after receiving treatment, making way for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.

After the match, Carsley provided an update on Saka, stating, “He’s currently being evaluated. During the buildup to the first goal, it was evident that he experienced some discomfort in his leg.”

Arsenal will be hoping that Saka’s injury is not serious, but his availability for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, as well as for England’s trip to Finland on Sunday, remains uncertain.

Further information is expected over the weekend, as Saka is scheduled to undergo a scan on Friday.

Potential return date: Unknown, pending further evaluation.

Kai Havertz

Havertz has been outstanding for Arsenal this season, having scored six goals across all competitions, including four in his last four matches.

He scored and played the full 90 minutes in last weekend’s 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton at the Emirates, but subsequently withdrew from the Germany squad for Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to a knee issue.

Like Saka, Arsenal would prefer not to be without their key forward for an extended period.

However, Standard Sport reports that his withdrawal from international duty was a precaution, and the club is optimistic he will be fit immediately after the break.

Potential return date: October 19, vs Bournemouth.

Thomas Partey

Partey had to step in as a makeshift right-back against Southampton, completing 84 minutes without apparent issues.

However, he withdrew from the Ghana squad on Tuesday for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan, with the Ghanaian FA initially citing “medical issues.”

Martin Odegaard

The Arsenal captain has not featured since the 1-1 Premier League draw with Brighton on August 31, having sustained significant ankle ligament damage while on Nations League duty with Norway last month.

Odegaard has missed all of Arsenal’s last seven matches across all competitions. While Arteta is pleased with his recovery progress, he is hesitant to provide a specific timeline for his return.

The player provided an optimistic update in his program notes for the match against Southampton, stating that his injury was healing faster than anticipated, which raised hopes for an earlier return than initially expected.

Although Bournemouth remains a challenging prospect, Odegaard, who was seen running on an anti-gravity treadmill this week, appears to be on track for a comeback before the end of the month.

This would be a significant advantage as the crucial match against Liverpool approaches.

Potential return date: Late October

Ben White

White has been absent from Arsenal’s last four matches across all competitions since he substituted for Saka during the dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last month.

The adaptable defender is currently managing a groin issue, but it seemed that Arteta was willing to give him every opportunity to be fit for the Southampton match.

Although he ultimately did not make the squad, the manager’s decision to wait until the last moment regarding White’s fitness suggests he could be available for the Bournemouth match, especially with an additional two weeks to focus on his recovery. Potential return date: October 19, vs Bournemouth

Jurrien Timber

Timber has showcased his versatility by excelling at both right-back and left-back this season, following a nearly complete absence last year due to a serious knee injury.

However, he has faced some minor injuries early this season and was substituted at halftime during the significant 2-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month due to an unspecified issue.

Similar to White, Timber missed the Southampton match, but Arteta’s decision to keep him in consideration until late in the day indicates he may be ready to return immediately after the international break. Potential return date: October 19, vs Bournemouth.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko is anticipated to return to action next weekend, having been sidelined since the draw against Brighton due to a calf injury, similar to Odegaard.

Arteta mentioned prior to the Southampton match that he expects the Ukrainian player to be available after the international break, assuming there are no setbacks. Expected return date: October 19, against Bournemouth.

Kieran Tierney

Tierney has been out of action since suffering a significant hamstring injury while being stretchered off during Scotland’s group stage match against Switzerland at Euro 2024 in June.

Updates regarding his recovery have been sparse, and there is currently no established timeline for his return.

Given the depth of options Arteta now has at full-back, Tierney may have limited opportunities to contribute for Arsenal this season, and his recent injury likely hindered a permanent transfer after his loan spell at Real Sociedad last season. Expected return date: Unknown.

Neto

Although Neto, Arsenal’s summer acquisition, is not injured, he will be unable to participate against his parent club Bournemouth next weekend due to the stipulations of his season-long loan agreement.

With No. 3 goalkeeper Tommy Setford also facing injury issues, 16-year-old Jack Porter, who made headlines with his debut against Bolton in the Carabao Cup last month, may once again step in to support first-choice goalkeeper David Raya in the match against the Cherries.

Expected return date: October 22, against Shakhtar Donetsk.