Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the 2023/24 season with a 4-0 win over AFC Bournemouth yesterday. The Gunners are one of only two Premier League clubs to avoid defeat after seven games.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Ben White gave Mikel Arteta’s men another three points to move them within a point of Manchester City. The pair, of course, meet next week in an early season nail-biter.
Despite a successful afternoon in the south, there are plenty of injury concerns for the North Londoners to deal with. With Champions League football continuing in midweek and City visiting the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be hoping all his best players are fully fit.
That said, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injury news ahead of a busy week.
Bukayo Saka
Saka kept his place in Arteta’s XI for the win over Bournemouth after missing the Carabao Cup win over Brentford. After being forced off in last week’s North London derby against Spurs, the forward is doubtful for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
However, having scored the opener, Saka limped off the pitch in the second half after receiving several tough challenges and was replaced by Fabio Vieira.
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What Mikel Arteta had to say: “I’m not [know] but because I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet. I think it’s a seal in the same area but Gabi was also limping after the game so we’ll see how they are.”
damage: Unknown
Expected return date: Lens (A) – October 3
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus played the entire competition against Bournemouth in a front three with Eddie Nketiah and Saka. However, he was seen limping towards the end of the match.
The severity of his injury is currently unclear.
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “Gabi was also limping after the game so we’ll see how they do.”
damage: Unknown
Expected return date: Lens (A) – October 3
Declan Rice
Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Tottenham with a back injury. football.london understands that after assessment it appears the England international’s injury is minor, however the 24-year-old is not feeling well and is out of danger for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Brentford.
Like Saka, he returned to Bournemouth’s XI and played 81 minutes.
damage: return
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “He hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two so we can get more news on him.”
William Saliba
The Arsenal defender played in the North London Derby but was completely absent from the midweek win over Brentford, in what is believed to be rotation.
Like Rice and Jesus, he started from off at Bournemouth and played the full 90 minutes to record another clean sheet.
Fabio Vieira
Having fought his way into contention on the left side of midfield, Fabio Vieira was absent from the Brentford side’s clash in midweek.
The Portuguese, however, came off the bench in the 76th minute against Bournemouth.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard was the hero of Arsenal’s win over Everton as he replaced the injured Gabriel Martinelli, who took over duties on the left flank. The Belgian limped out of training on Saturday though, with what is understood to be a lower hamstring strain.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion frontman was in the squad at the Vitality Stadium but was an unused substitute.
damage: Hamstrings
Return date: Lens (A) – October 3
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “He [Martinelli] not training, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard]It’s the same situation.”
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during the win over Everton. The Brazilian winger was not in the squad for the North London Derby despite being at the Emirates Stadium to support his teammates.
There is hope that Martinelli will be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. The 22-year-old could be involved against Bournemouth, although Arsenal would prefer not to rush him.
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “He [Martinelli] not training, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard]It’s the same situation.”
Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8
Thomas Party
The Ghana FA confirmed earlier this month that Partey had a groin problem during a training session, a huge blow to Arteta. It remains to be seen how long the 30-year-old will be sidelined.
The Ghanaian missed out with a groin strain picked up before the international break, but is recovering well and pushing to be back in time for the heavyweight clash with Manchester City on October 8.
damage: CUT
Expected return date : Manchester City (H) – October 8
What the Ghana FA said: “He sustained a groin injury during training on Thursday, August 31, 2023. He is currently unavailable as Club Doctors have predicted that he will likely be out for a week.”
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “Thomas (Partey) will definitely be out (against Spurs). And the others will hopefully be available, we still have two training sessions but no major issues in the middle of the week.”
Jurrien Timber
football.london understands that the Dutch international underwent a successful operation and is now in the “recovery phase” of his rehabilitation.
He attended the match against Man United. football.london spoke to Timber after the game where the 22-year-old still used the help of two crutches to move.
Asked how he felt about his recovery, a quick, “good, good” response. He will be sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window.
damage: knee
Expected return date : 2024
What Arteta said: “It’s a big blow. Especially for him after joining the club. To get the injury he got is a big blow. We recruited him with a clear goal and what he brings to team obviously, but he can’t. This season. We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”