Arsenal have set up a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace after beating Brighton 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka sealed in the second half secured the win with the Gunners having to endure an attacking onslaught from the visitors during the first 45 minutes.
Mikel Arteta made wholesale changes which included handing first senior starts to Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous. Five injury worries emerging in last weekend’s 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace likely played a role in those decisions.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori all appeared to be dealing with concerns to potentially add to Arsenal’s injury list which already includes Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Thankfully for Arteta, not all of the fitness worries continued into the cup win over Brighton with the Gunners boss likely hopeful, especially after no fresh issues appeared to emerge, that more returns can arrive for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Burnley.
With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates.
William Saliba
After being taken off at half-time of Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace, Saliba was absent from the Carabao Cup clash at home to Brighton. That was expected following Arteta’s comments in a Tuesday press conference.
What Arteta has said: “He’s out. We’re assessing him, but he won’t be involved in this match.”
Possible return date: N/A
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli came off the bench against Palace, but was spotted hobbling down the tunnel which sparked injury concerns.
What Arteta has said: “Yeah, it looks as well that he’s going to be out. We have to again do some more tests and see the extent of the injury, but this game is going to be early for him.”
Possible return date: N/A
Declan Rice
Rice was forced off in the late stages of the weekend’s victory, but returned off the bench just a few days later.
What Arteta has said: He’ll be available [vs Brighton].
Possible return date: Returned
Bukayo Saka
After being absent from training photos in the lead up to Arsenal facing Palace, there were worries over Saka, but he started the game to quench those. An early withdrawal resulted in fears returning, though. Arteta later revealed he was ill, but he was able to find the back of the net off the bench against Brighton.
Martin Odegaard
With November on the horizon, a return for Martin Odegaard from a knee injury appears to be getting closer.
What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.
“There’s no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [after the next Int’ break], but we’ll have to see how he progresses. It’s too early to give an answer.”
Noni Madueke
After a bright start to his Arsenal career, Madueke picked up an injury against Manchester City in September that has kept him out since.
What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus is still recovering from a serious knee injury picked up back in January.
What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.
What Jesus has said: “I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.
“So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.
“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”