Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, White, Nwaneri and Expected Return Dates Ahead of Manchester United Clash…

Arsenal’s latest injury updates on Saka, White, and Nwaneri, along with anticipated return timelines before the match against Manchester United.

Ahead of the upcoming match against Manchester United, Arsenal has provided the latest injury news concerning Saka, White, and Nwaneri, including their projected return dates.

Arsenal is currently managing four injury cases following the return of two players in their recent match against Newcastle.

The situation has improved slightly for Arsenal as both Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling rejoined the squad. Havertz started the match, while Sterling was a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The second leg is scheduled for early February.

Next, Arsenal will focus on the FA Cup, facing off against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, followed by a North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur the following Wednesday.

However, the team may have to navigate these fixtures without up to four players due to ongoing injury issues, presenting potential selection challenges for manager Mikel Arteta.

Bukayo Saka

The talented winger Saka sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in December, necessitating medical intervention.

He is currently in the recovery phase, with Arteta commenting: “He had a procedure. Everything went well. But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”

While the exact duration of Saka’s absence remains uncertain, a return in March appears to be the most optimistic scenario, provided his recovery progresses smoothly.

His extended absence would be a significant setback for Arsenal, as he has been a key offensive player this season, contributing five goals and ten assists in the Premier League.

Expected return date – Tuesday, April 1 vs Fulham (H)

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu is the closest among the injured players to making a comeback, with a potential return this month if his recovery continues to progress positively.

The Japan international has been sidelined since suffering a long-term knee injury while on international duty last summer.

He was originally scheduled to make his comeback in November, but a setback in his recovery has kept him sidelined.

Arteta mentioned at the beginning of January: “Tomi has been doing some activities on the pitch, but we need to monitor his progress. It’s a long-term injury, and we must assess how quickly he advances and how he responds.”

Expected return date – Saturday, January 18 vs Aston Villa (H)

Ethan Nwaneri

The 17-year-old Nwaneri sustained a muscle injury during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Brighton last weekend.

He netted Arsenal’s only goal of the match just 16 minutes in, marking his second Premier League goal of the season for Arteta’s team.

The Arsenal manager stated: “Unfortunately, he’s sustained a [muscular] injury and will be out for a few weeks.”

Expected return date – Sunday, February 2 vs Manchester City (H)

Ben White

Defender White underwent surgery in November following a serious knee injury that was expected to keep him out for most of the season.

However, his recovery has been progressing well, suggesting he could return within a month, which is impressive given the initial prognosis that he might miss the entire season.

Arteta noted in early January: “Ben is still a few weeks away,” but there is a possibility he could be back in time for the Gunners’ match against rivals Manchester City at the beginning of February.

Expected return date – Sunday, February 2 vs Manchester City (H).