Just as one big Arsenal injury boost arrived, Mikel Arteta has been handed two fresh concerns.
The Gunners secured their ninth consecutive victory on Saturday at the expense of newly-promoted Burnley with Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice on target.
The victory has taken them seven points clear of Bournemouth and Liverpool at the end of play on Saturday following the latter’s triumph over Aston Villa. Arsenal find themselves in a great position, but Arteta will be worried about the fitness of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi going forward after both were forced off.
William Saliba returning to the fold was one welcome sight at least, but there will be real worries over Arsenal’s attacking options if Gyokeres is out especially as Kai Havertz remains unavailable. With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Gunners injury news and the potential return dates for their absent stars.
Viktor Gyokeres
Mikel Merino replaced Gyokeres at half-time of the win over Burnley with Arteta later confirming it was due to a potential injury.
What Arteta has said: “I think overall his performance was exceptional. A part of the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
Martin Zubimendi
Arteta also revealed that a possible muscular issue was the reason for Zubimendi being withdrawn.
What Arteta has said: “And Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli missed the win over Burnley having still not recovered from the issue picked up last weekend.
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: Sunderland (A) – Saturday, November 8
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard is still recovering from a knee injury but Arteta is hopeful of having him, Madueke and Havertz back after the international break.
What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”
“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.”
Possible return date: Tottenham (H) – Sunday, November 23.
Kai Havertz
Havertz has been missing since August with a minor procedure required to fix a knee problem.
What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”
Noni Madueke
Madueke is another absentee because of a knee injury, but is expected back this month.
What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has been out of action since early January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
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.”