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Arsenal Injury Update: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White Expected Return Dates Ahead of Aston Villa Match…

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Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, White, Jesus and Expected Return Dates Ahead of Aston Villa Match

 

Arsenal faces a significant injury crisis as they prepare for an important home match against Aston Villa.

 

Mikel Arteta’s title-contending squad intensified the pressure on league leaders Liverpool with a commendable 2-1 victory in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

 

Having played one match more than Liverpool, the Gunners were in dire need of a positive outcome following recent setbacks, including a defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final and an exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United.

 

“The players were exceptional. We played 120 minutes less than 72 hours ago, but our performance was remarkable,” Arteta remarked after the victory over Ange Postecoglou’s team.

 

“We have matches every three days, so it’s about building a foundation and focusing on the next day. We won today, which is great, but now our attention turns to Aston Villa.”

 

The upcoming home fixture against the Villans marks the beginning of a challenging stretch, with six critical matches scheduled over the next three weeks.

 

The Gunners aim to advance in the Champions League before heading to Newcastle for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

 

With a busy schedule ahead, Arteta, like Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, must navigate numerous injury concerns. Here’s a summary of who will be unavailable for Arsenal during this pivotal period and which players are nearing a return.

 

Injury Report for Arsenal’s Defense

Ben White – Out

 

Ben White has been sidelined for the last ten Premier League matches due to a knee injury.

 

His absence has been felt significantly, given his versatility as both a center-back and right-back, along with his capacity to support offensive plays.

 

The nine-time England international is not expected to return this month but may participate in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United in February. Expected return date: 02/02/2025.

 

Takehiro Tomiyasu – Out

 

Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu is making progress towards a return following a knee injury. Mikel Arteta commented, “Tomi has been doing some activities on the pitch, but we need to monitor his situation.

 

It has been a long-term injury, and we will assess how quickly he can advance and how he responds.” Expected return date: 25/01/2025.

 

Riccardo Calafiori – Doubtful

 

Another defender facing a knee injury, Riccardo Calafiori missed the recent north London derby victory but is believed to be on the mend. “It’s not a significant issue, but we will need another day or two.

 

With matches every three days, those extra 24 hours are crucial, especially since these are not long-term injuries,” Mikel Arteta stated. Expected return date: 18/01/2025.

 

Arsenal’s Midfield Injuries

Ethan Nwaneri – Out

 

Arsenal’s rising star Ethan Nwaneri is currently sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained during the 1-1 draw against Brighton.

 

Mikel Arteta remarked, “Unfortunately, he has sustained a [muscular] injury and will be unavailable for several weeks.” Expected return date: 02/02/2025.

 

Arsenal’s Attacking Injuries

Bukayo Saka – Out

 

Arsenal’s key player Bukayo Saka is anticipated to be out for a considerable part of the season due to a hamstring injury, which poses a significant challenge to Mikel Arteta’s title aspirations.

 

The England international, who has contributed five goals and 11 assists in the league, has been absent for the last four matches and is still some time away from a complete recovery.

 

Mikel Arteta explained in December, “He underwent a procedure, which went well. However, he will be out for many weeks, likely more than two months. The exact duration is still uncertain.” Expected return date: 29/03/2025.

 

Gabriel Jesus – Out

 

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is believed to have suffered a suspected ACL injury during the FA Cup loss to Manchester United, leaving the team with only one fully fit striker for the upcoming months.

 

The Brazilian player, who has struggled with injuries, was beginning to regain his scoring touch, netting six goals in seven matches. However, he is now confronted with an extended period of recovery.

 

At this time, there is no scheduled return date for the former Manchester City striker. Expected return date: n/

a.

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