Arsenal’s campaign has been blighted by injuries but Mikel Arteta’s squad is expected to look much stronger following the last international break of the season
Arsenal’s hopes lifting a trophy this season may be faint but Mikel Arteta has reasons to smile during the international break. The Gunners got back to winning ways on Sunday by beating Chelsea 1-0, a result which closed the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League – albeit to 12 points.
That followed two draws, one of which sent them through to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they’ll face Real Madrid. But the break comes at a good time for Arsenal, who’ve suffered injury after injury this season and been left without a recognised striker.
Arteta’s options, particularly in attack, have subsequently been limited, although the return of Bukayo Saka appears to be right around the corner. The England international has been sidelined since he tore a hamstring in December but he recently returned to light training and fans can get excited about his comeback.
Here’s the latest news on Arsenal’s injured players.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu
Injury: Knee
It’s been another injury-ravaged season for Takehiro Tomiyasu. Having already had knee surgery to curtail his 2022-23 season, the Japanese defender has had to go under the knife again after only playing six minutes of football for club and country this term.
“I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” the 26-year-old posted on Instagram last month.
“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”
Possible return date: October 2025
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Bukayo Saka
Injury: Hamstring
After three months on the sidelines, Bukayo Saka is almost back. Arsenal’s star winger has been sorely missed in attack but after Sunday’s victory, Arteta provided some good news.
Asked if Saka had a chance of returning once the international break is over, Arteta jokingly walked out of his post-match interview with Sky Sports before saying: “Yes, he’s got a good chance.”
That was after confirming last Friday: “He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had. That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own.
“Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that. He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress, I would say. So let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”
Possible return date: April 1 vs Fulham [H]
Kai Havertz
Injury: Hamstring
Unfortunately for Kai Havertz, he won’t play again this season. The German forward picked up an injury during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai last month, leaving the Gunners without a recognised striker.
Havertz said on Instagram: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win. Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped. I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”
Possible return date: Pre-season
Gabriel Jesus
Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament
Having found some form over the festive period, Gabriel Jesus’ season was ended prematurely when he suffered an ACL injury against Manchester United in January. The Brazil international has had his fair share of injury woes since moving to north London and isn’t expected to play against until after pre-season.
“There will always be answers to everything, which we will only know later on.I believe and trust in God,” Jesus posted on Instagram.
Possible return date: October 2025
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