Arsenal have a number of players sidelined through injury ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Brentford. Last time out, the Gunners drew 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur in a feisty first North London Derby of the season.
Ahead of the game against Spurs, the Gunners lost Leandro Trossard to injury while Declan Rice had to be withdrawn at half-time due to his own concern. Gabriel Martinelli is also out with a hamstring problem while Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are both on the treatment table due to long-term injury issues.
With all that said, here’s a look at Arsenal’s latest injury news and return dates ahead of tomorrow’s game against Brentford
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka was also taken off against Spurs, where the 22-year-old suffered severe pain after hitting his foot in the dying stages of the game. It was not thought to be serious though, and the England winger is on the mend.
damage: Foot tapping
Expected return date : Brentford (A) – 27 September
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Declan Rice
Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Tottenham with a back injury. Despite having tape wrapped around his calf – suggesting he has suffered a muscle injury – Arteta revealed Rice’s back is in fact a problem.
football.london understood that after assessment it appeared that the England international’s injury was minor. The 24-year-old is still in discomfort and is likely to be ruled out for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Brentford.
He will be treated over the next few days though and could return to the squad for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
damage: return
Expected return date : Bournemouth (H) – September 30
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “Yes, he has some discomfort in his back. He told us in the first half that he was uncomfortable.
“When we assessed him at half-time he couldn’t go on so we had to change him.” The Spaniard added: “I hope not [long-term]. It is strange that a player like him should leave. So let’s see.
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 despite what is known to be a lower hamstring strain.
There is hope that Trossard will be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. The former Brighton & Hove Albion frontman is in contention to return for the trip to Bournemouth this weekend, although he is not expected to travel to in Brentford on Wednesday
damage: Hamstrings
Return date: Bournemouth (H) – September 30
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “He felt something, a muscle tightness in training and he was not ready to play.”
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 next week, although Arsenal are keen not to rush him.
He is not expected to travel to Brentford, however.
What Mikel Arteta had to say: “With Gaby we are still assessing her and so we will see if she can play the game or not.”
When asked if Martinelli was out of the match against the Lilywhites, the Spaniard simply replied: “No.”
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 adjust. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”