When are Arsenal's injured players back? Latest on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and more
Updated 21/02/2025 at 15:27 GMT
Takehiro Tomiyaso joined Arsenal's growing injury list as the Premier League side face a stressful spell without several key players. The Gunners are eight points behind Liverpool and face a Champions League knock-out tie on the horizon as Mikel Arteta's frontline gets increasingly thin. TNT Sports has the latest updates on Arsenal's injury list and their expected returns.
Injuries are 'accidents waiting to happen' due to heavy workload, says Arteta
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Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the rest of the season following surgery on his right knee.
The 26-year-old played just once for the Gunners this season due to the injury, which he sustained prior to the campaign.
It is a fresh injury blow for Mikel Arteta's side who are already without several key players for the foreseeable future.
A statement from Arsenal on Wednesday read: "Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergone a successful surgery on the right knee issue which he first sustained in pre-season.
"Despite an initial surgical procedure in August, followed by a return to full training, and featuring as a substitute in our home Premier League match against Southampton in October, Tomi continued to have issues with his knee, resulting in a further corrective surgical procedure.
"Tomi will now begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to be completed towards the end of this year."
WHO IS INJURED FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal are second in the league and eight points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, but their growing injury list threatens to hamper their chase for the title.
Their frontline in particular has been thinned, as evidenced by Arteta being forced to send Mikel Merino on as a striker to bag two late goals against Leicester City.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal have been without their talisman since his hamstring tear in December.
The club sparked hope among supporters when the winger was seen in the gym during their training camp in Dubai last week, but a return is still at least several weeks away.
"I don’t know, we have a long-term injury, so what is faster?" Arteta said in mid-February when asked about Saka's progress. "In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it’s 30 per cent, but in three months, a week is probably not that much.
"It's too early, he’s in an early stage of the rehab, so when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and has more load, we will see where he is. There’s no setback, he’s fine."
A return in early March was initially targeted, but a return late in the month or early April following the international break is looking increasingly likely.
It would mean he misses Arsenal's crucial last 16 Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.
Kai Havertz
It has been confirmed that the German will miss the rest of the season after tearing his hamstring while training in Dubai.
Havertz blocked a shot in training in a freak incident that further depleted Arsenal's already thin attacking options.
The striker underwent a successful operation and targets a return to fitness in the summer.
"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," Havertz said on social media.
"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."
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'It was a surprise' - Arteta opens up on 'strange' Havertz injury in Dubai training
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Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal suffered yet another hamstring injury when Gabriel Martinelli was injured against Newcastle on February 5.
He departed during the first half of action at St James' Park and, like Saka, Arsenal are hopeful he returns following the next international break in late March.
As well as being a doubt for their Champions League last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven, he also stands to miss games against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arteta confirmed that he does not know if he will be fit for Arsenal's Champions League clash with the Dutch side during his pre-match press conference for their Premier League fixture with West Ham.
"I don't know, that's a question for the doctor," he said. "They [Martinelli and Saka] are progressing really well.
"Gabby is a bit ahead of Bukayo, but we will have to see how the boys are feeling and what we are prepared to do."
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The Japan international has just six minutes of football under his belt this season, playing as a late substitute in the win over Southampton in October.
He had already missed the beginning of the season due to a knee injury, and after undergoing surgery for that issue, he is expected to be out for the remainder of the campaign.
"I’ve had a surgery on my knee a few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again," Tomiyasu said in an Instagram post. "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."
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Highlights: Super-sub Merino bags late double as Arsenal cut lead at the top
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Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus sustained a season-ending injury during Arsenal's FA Cup match with Manchester United in January, with scans revealing he had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee.
The Brazil international had scored six goals across his last seven appearances for Arsenal prior to his injury.
It was yet another setback for the 27-year-old since joining from Manchester City, and he is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
Ben White
It is not all bad news for Arsenal fans ahead of their Premier League match against London rivals West Ham.
Ben White looks set to return, having been out of action since November with a knee injury.
The defender was an unused substitute in his side's victory over Leicester City, and Arteta revealed that he is in contention to start on Saturday.
"He is ready to play. Whether he is ready to start or not we will decide tomorrow," said Arteta.
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