Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Manchester City match
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal injury concerns is headed up by Bukayo Saka ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 3, 2023 in Lens, France.
Bukayo Saka is a huge Arsenal injury doubt to face Manchester City this weekend (Image: (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images))
Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge Bukayo Saka boost after the Arsenal star limped off in the Champions League against RC Lens. The worst was feared for the 22-year-old after he was withdrawn in the first half on Tuesday evening just days before the Gunners welcome Manchester City to Emirates Stadium, but there is a chance he makes the game.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli remains an absentee after picking up a hamstring injury against Everton with the forward still yet to return to training. Thomas Partey made his matchday squad return against Lens after a month out with a groin injury and he could be in line to make his playing comeback against Man City.
Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Fabio Vieira and William Saliba have all been doubts in recent weeks although all four played a role in the mid-week defeat. However, all eyes will certainly be on Saka with Arsenal taking it day-by-day before making a huge decision on his availability for the weekend.
With that said, football.london has rounded up all the injury news from Emirates Stadium ahead of a crucial battle against Pep Guardiola’s reigning Premier League champions.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka retained his spot in the Premier League by being named in the starting lineup for the win over Bournemouth this past weekend after missing the Carabao Cup win over Brentford in midweek.
However, after scoring the opener, Saka limped off the pitch in the second half after being on the receiving end of a number of tough challenges and was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the final 15 minutes.
Saka then started the game against RC Lens four days later but after 33 minutes he was subbed off with a potentially major hamstring issue. According to the Mail, Saka has suffered a hamstring tweak plus a blow to the thigh, but the injury not viewed as serious.
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What Mikel Arteta has said: “He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and he felt something. It was something muscular. He wasn’t able to carry on and we had to take him off.”
Injury: Hamstring and thigh
Expected return date : Unknown
Thomas Partey
The Ghana FA confirmed earlier this month that Partey had sustained a groin problem during a training session, a major blow to Arteta. Partey has now returned to full team training ahead of Lens with a chance he is involved in the clash. The experienced midfielder was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat to RC Lens.
What Mikel Arteta has said: “He’s progressed really well in the last two weeks and he managed to train in the last two or three days with the team and that’s great news for us obviously. I think his progression in the last week has been very good. He might have some exposure tomorrow depending on how the game goes.”
Injury: Groin
Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus played the entirety of the contest against Bournemouth in a front three with Eddie Nketiah and Saka. However, he was seen limping at the end of the game, with Arteta later confirming there is a slight concern for the Brazilian ahead of the Champions League tie. The Brazilian was then seen in training on Monday, suggesting there is no issue there.
Against RC Lens, Jesus played the full game and got on the score sheet in the first half.
What Mikel Arteta has said: “Gabi was limping as well after the game so let’s see how they are.”
Expected return date : Returned
Fabio Vieira
Having fought his way into contention on the left side of the midfield, Fabio Vieira was absent from the side’s clash with Brentford. He was back in contention once again on Saturday though, where he made a cameo towards the end of the win over Bournemouth. The Portugal international replaced the injured Saka in the Champions League defeat to RC Lens.
Expected return date : Returned
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard was the hero in Arsenal’s win over Everton as he replaced the injured Gabriel Martinelli, taking over duties on the left flank. The Belgian limped out of training a few weeks ago though, with what was understood to be a lower hamstring strain, keeping him out of action.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion frontman was in the squad at the Vitality Stadium over the weekend, but was an unused substitute. Trossard then started against RC Lens and played just over 60 minutes in the clash.
What Mikel Arteta has said: “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”
Injury: Hamstring
Return date: Returned.
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during the win against Everton. The Brazilian winger was absent from the squad for the North London Derby despite being present at the Emirates Stadium to support his teammates.
There is optimism that Martinelli could be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. However, this is not looking likely.
What Mikel Arteta has said: “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber
football.londonunderstands that the Dutch international underwent successful surgery and now in the “recovery phase” of his rehabilitation.
He was in attendance for the game against Man United. football.london spoke to Timber post-match where the 22-year-old was still using the aid of two crutches to move about.
Asked how he was feeling with his recovery, a swift, “good, good” was the response. He will be sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window.
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: 2024
What Arteta has said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, but he’s not going to be able to do it this
season. We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”
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