Arsenal head into a big week full of momentum and an injury list which is reducing.
A thumping 5-1 win over Manchester City kept their Premier League title hopes alive for the time being, and now they are preparing to face Newcastle in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners have a two-goal deficit to overturn away from home, but will be confident of doing so.
That is because David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard all shook off fitness concerns last week and now look fighting fit heading to St James’ Park. Just four remain in the treatment room, and one could return this month.
Here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injuries...
Ben White
Ben White has been sidelined since undergoing a minor surgical procedure in November to resolve a knee issue.
The right-back had been carrying a joint problem before that and it is hoped that this will enable White to return to action pain-free.
White has still not returned to first-team training, but it is still hoped that he could get some minutes on the pitch before the end of the month.
“Ben is definitely out [of the Man City win],” Arteta said last week. “He hasn’t trained with us yet so he’s not going to be available.”
Potential return date: February 2025
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has out since undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury picked up against Crystal Palace in December.
The Arsenal star has been in attendance at a number of home matches recently, and was all smiles on Sunday night as Arsenal beat City.
This is the first significant injury of Saka’s career and the initial prognosis was a return date in March, but Arteta was vague when recently asked for an update.
Arteta said: “We don’t know how long he is out and how many games he can play.”
Potential return date: March 2025
Takehiro Tomiyasu
It has been another injury-hit season for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The 26-year-old has managed only six minutes of Premier League football and has been out of action since the start of October.
Tomiyasu is reportedly nearing a return, but no firm timeline has been provided by Arsenal.
Potential return date: Unknown
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus’ season is over after he suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.
The striker has had surgery on his left knee and now faces a lengthy recovery process, with Jesus likely facing a battle just to be fit in time for the start of next season.
Potential return date: Summer 2025
