Arsenal are back in action this evening, hosting Ligue 1 side RC Lens to the Emirates Stadium for a highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League clash. Mikel Arteta's men currently sit top of their group, with a draw enough to take them through to the knockout stage even with one game spare.
The Gunners are in fine form too, having won each of their last three matches across all competitions. The most recent of which came on Saturday against Brentford, when Kai Havertz's 89th-minute winner secured all three points in a fairly uneventful Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.
That match saw Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White all return to action following their respective injury issues, a major boost for Arteta, who is still without the likes of Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe for tonight's outing.
So with all of that being said, we've rounded up all of the latest Arsenal injury news and potential returns below.
Fabio Vieira
Vieira missed Tuesday's open training session at the club's London Colney base, with Arteta then confirming that the Portuguese midfielder has undergone an operation on a groin issue.
Injury: Groin
Expected return date: N/A
What Arteta has said: "Yeah we’ve got a problem with him. He’s been having some discomfort. We sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin. He did that yesterday. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break."
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has been unlucky with injuries again this season, this time nursing a knee issue. He was omitted from the matchday squad to face Burnley earlier this month. football.london understands that the talented playmaker won't be back until next month.
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: N/A
What Arteta has said: "It is a possibility (that he will return for January). Emile has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer. Thomas (Partey) the same. We need them to be back at their best."
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Thomas Partey
Partey has undergone a 'procedure' which is set to keep him out for the remainder of the year, football.london understands.
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date: N/A
What Arteta has said: "It is a possibility (that he will return for January). Emile (Smith Rowe) has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer. Thomas the same. We need them to be back at their best."
Jurrien Timber
Timber has undergone successful surgery, football.london understands, and he's now in the 'recovery phase' of his rehabilitation. The Dutchman has been sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window. Worrying reports from Dutch media have suggested that Timber could miss out on a spot in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, throwing into doubt his return with Arsenal next year.
Injury: ACL
Expected return date : N/A.
What Arteta has said: "Well I hope so (be back on the grass soon.) He’s been for a few walks out on the field. He’s still a bit far from competing but he’s in a good place."
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