Havertz blow, Saka latest, White boost - Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Leicester

A number of Arsenal's senior stars are out injured at the moment, with Mikel Arteta losing another key player during the club's warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Striker Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the season and will soon undergo surgery after sustaining a hamstring injury during a training session in the Middle East. It means Arteta will be without a recognised forward for the rest of the campaign, with Gabriel Jesus also unavailable.

The Gunners travel to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday knowing that a win will further close the gap to league leaders Liverpool. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates.

Kai Havertz

Arsenal confirmed Havertz will play no further part of the 2024/25 season after the striker severely injured his hamstring during the trip to Dubai. In a statement, Arsenal said: "Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.

"Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season. Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."

What Arteta has said: "Yeah, he was going to stop a shot after a set piece and stretch the leg and he felt his hamstring."

Expected return date: Summer 2025

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli limped off the pitch during Arsenal's clash against Newcastle in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The 23-year-old winger appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri. Reports have suggested the Brazilian could be out for around a month.

What Arteta has said: "Yes, he felt something. I think it was his hamstring and he wasn't comfortable to continue so we'll have to do an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury."

Expected return date: End of March

Ben White

White has been sidelined with a knee injury since November. The 27-year-old defender, who underwent surgery, had been suffering from a joint problem before that but has now returned to training. The Englishman was part of the squad which flew to Dubai and looks to be edging closer to a return.

What Arteta has said: "Yeah, Ben has been training more regularly now so we have to still manage a lot his load. But he's going to be able to do it, yes."

Expected return date: Leicester City (February 15)

Bukayo Saka

Saka suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December. The 23-year-old winger has been pictured back at the club's training ground but will not return to training anytime soon.

What Arteta has said: "Well, I don't know. We have a long-term injury. What is faster? In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it's 30 per cent. In three months, a week, probably is not that much. But it's too early. It's an average stage of the rehab when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and more load, we will see where he is."

Asked if Saka has suffered a setback in his rehab, Arteta said: "No, it's fine."

Expected return date: End of March 2025.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu remains out of action with a knee injury. The 26-year-old defender missed the large majority of last season with a calf problem and he's played just six minutes this term. Reports have suggested the right-back may even need a second knee operation, although a decision has yet to be made. The former Bologna man underwent an original knee operation in 2023.

What Arteta has said: "Tomiyasu is going to be out as well for a period."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January. The 27-year-old striker has had surgery on his left knee and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Brazilian shared a picture of himself walking on crutches on his Instagram account on January 22, with the caption: "There will always be answers to everything, which we will only know later on. I believe and trust in God."

What Arteta has said: "Not looking good at all. But we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today."

Expected return date: Summer 2025.