Arsenal Injury Update: Latest News and Return Dates for Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli…

Arsenal injury update: Latest on Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli’s return timelines.

Arsenal’s injury status: Current updates on Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, along with their expected dates of return.

Mikel Arteta is once again facing a depleted attacking lineup as the Gunners prepare to take on Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal experienced a potentially detrimental defeat against West Ham over the weekend, missing the chance to apply pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners had the opportunity to narrow the gap to five points from the league leaders, albeit temporarily, but succumbed to a disappointing 1-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium.

A frustrated Mikel Arteta criticized his players post-match, expressing his hope that they would “suffer” for the remainder of the weekend after a performance that left him “very, very angry.”

Adding to the team’s woes, young player Myles Lewis-Skelly is now facing a suspension due to a straight red card received against West Ham, which will rule him out of the crucial match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Fortunately, the defense remains a strong area for the Gunners, but concerns about the attacking options persist and are unlikely to improve in the short term.

Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation:

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli sustained a hamstring injury during the match against Newcastle on February 5, forcing him to leave the field in the 37th minute while clutching the back of his thigh.

He is expected to be sidelined for approximately a month.

Martinelli will miss the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest and is uncertain for the first leg of the Champions League last 16. However, he is reportedly ahead of Bukayo Saka in his recovery process.

“I am not sure,” Arteta stated to reporters last week when asked about the availability of both players for the match against PSV. “That’s a question for the doctor. They are both progressing really well.”

Gabi Martinelli is likely slightly ahead of Bukayo Saka in terms of recovery, particularly considering the severity of his injury. However, we will need to monitor the upcoming developments, including the players’ conditions in the weeks leading up to their return and our readiness to proceed.

Potential return date: March

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal has been without Bukayo Saka since December due to a hamstring tear sustained during the victory over Crystal Palace.

Initially expected to be sidelined until March, excitement grew among fans when the club shared images of him training in a Dubai gym earlier this month.

While a potential return for the Champions League match against PSV has been mentioned, Arteta is likely to exercise caution regarding his reintegration.

Potential return date: March

Ethan Nwaneri

Concerns arose among Arsenal supporters when Ethan Nwaneri was seen limping after being substituted in the second half against West Ham.

However, Arteta provided reassurance post-match, indicating that it does not appear to be a significant injury.

“It was just fatigue, I think,” he explained regarding the decision to replace the young player.

Potential return date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, vs. Nottingham Forest (a)

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu has only participated in six minutes of play this season, having come on as a late substitute during the Premier League win over Southampton in October.

This followed a three-month recovery from a knee injury that delayed the start of his season. The versatile defender confirmed on Tuesday that he has undergone knee surgery, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Nevertheless, he remains determined: “I had knee surgery a few days ago and have already begun my rehabilitation to return to what I love most,” Tomiyasu stated in an Instagram post.

“This has undoubtedly been the toughest period of my career, and it will continue for a while, but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you again.”

Arsenal has provided an update on Tomiyasu’s injury situation, indicating that the defender’s recovery and rehabilitation process is anticipated to conclude by the end of this year.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz will be sidelined for the remainder of the season following hamstring surgery.

Havertz sustained a hamstring tear during a training session in Dubai, and Arsenal has confirmed that he will not be available until the next season.

The striker announced that he successfully underwent the procedure and is aiming to regain his fitness by summer.

In a message shared on his Instagram and Twitter from his hospital room, Havertz expressed: “The past few days have been challenging both physically and mentally. However, yesterday marked a positive turn with a successful operation.

“I appreciate all the supportive messages received during this time; they have been invaluable. I am now dedicated to my recovery and will continue to support the team from behind the scenes.”

Potential return date: Start of the 2025-26 season

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus had surgery for a serious knee injury in January and is expected to be out for an extended period.

Potential return date: Unknown.