Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been dealing with multiple injury riddled absentees for some time now. Although the lack of some key players haven’t stopped the Gunners from putting up outrageous scorelines week in week out in the Premier League, there absence was felt in the Champions League.
The North London club have displayed an incredible and brutal style of attacking football in the Premier League since January, registering 7 wins in 7 games including the recent 6-0 win at Sheffield United and scoring 31 goals along the way. However, the injury issues hurt Arsenal in the Champions League where they suffered a 1-0 defeat against FC Porto and have to overturn the deficit in the return leg.
However, there has been a massive boost in the Arsenal ranks as several key first-team players have returned from the injury table in recent weeks. Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus – all three featured against Sheffield United on Monday night.
Fabio Vieira, who was sidelined since November, returned to the squad before the CL game at Porto and was on the bench against Newcastle, but he was finally brought on at Bramall Lane. Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, who have been out of the squad since January and October respectively, received the go ahead from the fitness team just before the game at Sheffield.
On the other hand, the North Londoner received a fresh selection scare as their astounding form continued against the Blades. Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli had to be taken off with a foot problem and was replaced by Jesus. Bukayo Saka was also subbed out at Bramall Lane at the end of the first half, but it was done as the player felt sick rather than an injury.
1. Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian attacker had another good game at Sheffield United, scoring Arsenal’s third goal before assisting Kai Havertz for the fourth one. However, he was brought off the pitch after sustaining a blow to his foot. He was helped down the tunnel by the medical staff.
After the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Martinelli suffered a cut to his foot and he would require further assessment. Although no new update has been provided on his situation, the Brazilian winger is not expected to be sidelined for too long and might return for Arsenal’s PL game against Brentford next weekend.
Expected Return Date: Next Week
2. Takehiro Tomiyasu
The Japanese defender has not featured for the Gunners since the loss at Fulham on New Year’s eve. He went on international duty after the game but returned with a calf injury. Tomiyasu was expected to make the cut at Bramall Lane but was eventually ruled out. After the game, Arteta said:
“Alex [Zinchenko] is not far too. Tomiyasu still a little bit more.”
Expected Return Date: Next Week
3. Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian has been fighting a calf problem since February. Zinchenko last featured for Arsenal in the 3-1 win against Liverpool a month ago when he was subbed off in the first half after suffering a calf injury. The good news is that Arteta has given a green signal towards his comeback:
“Alex [Zinchenko] is not far at all from being available.”
Expected Return Date: Next Week
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4. Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee in August on his PL debut against Nottingham Forest. But, the good news is he underwent a successful surgery and seems to be recovering well. He has already returned to training and there is a strong chance that he may join the squad soon. The Arsenal boss said:
“He’s doing well. He’s been with some players on the pitch. He’s going to start to do some bits with us on the pitch in the next week or so. Then we’ll have to see how he’s doing, his confidence level, his fitness level. Hopefully, the answer will be yes.”
Expected Return Date: End of March/Start of April
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