Arsenal could have several key players missing through injury for their next game after Mikel Arteta was handed several concerns in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace
Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on his squad after being forced to make three Arsenal substitutions during the 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze, against his former club, netted the only goal of the game which saw the Gunners move four points clear at the top.
Defeats for Liverpool and Manchester City have seen Sunderland, Bournemouth and Tottenham become their nearest challengers with Arsenal now seeming to be clear title favourites. Keeping players fit will be key to that remaining the case, though Arteta was dealt four new worries in their latest victory.
William Saliba was the first forced off as Cristhian Mosquera replaced him at half-time. Declan Rice was substituted in the final knockings with it later revealed that Riccardo Calafiori, who was taken off on the same minute, had also suffered an issue. Gabriel Martinelli was also spotted limping down the tunnel.
Bukayo Saka also headed into the game far from fit which somewhat explained his relatively early withdrawal. With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal injury news before they face Brighton and Burnley over the next six days.
William Saliba
Saliba did not come out for the second half against Crystal Palace with Mosquera deputising again for the Frenchman.
What Arteta has said: “Well, the first one was Willy that obviously had to be out after the first half. On Willy there are two things related to his substitution.”
Possible return date: N/A
Declan Rice
Rice required treatment from physios after appearing to hold his upper right leg. He was eventually replaced by Mikel Merino.
What Arteta has said: “Declan was struggling from the first half with a knock that he took. I don’t really know because it was a knock. But I don’t know if it was the calf or the Achilles or what exactly it was.”
Possible return date: N/A
Bukayo Saka
Having not been pictured in Arsenal training this week, there were concerns over Saka. He did start the game, but was withdrawn just after the hour-mark.
What Arteta has said: “We didn’t know whether he was going to be fit. He’s been ill, he hasn’t trained really, so we didn’t know whether he was going to be fit, so he made a big effort to be available today.”
Return date: October 29, vs Brighton
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli came on for Saka and finished the game but appeared to suffer an injury after being spotted heading down the tunnel with physios.
What Arteta has said: “We have to check that one. He was a bit uncomfortable. He said he felt something. We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not. Tomorrow we’ll have more news.”
Possible return date: N/A
Riccardo Calafiori
Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Calafiori with eight minutes of normal time to play and Arteta has since admitted he also may have picked up an injury.
What Arteta has said: “Who was the other one? Ricky. As well. So yeah, let’s see how that will go.”
Possible return date: N/A
Martin Odegaard
A knee injury has kept Martin Odegaard out of Arsenal’s last three games but the captain appears to be progressing well.
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.”
Possible return date: November 23, vs Tottenham
Kai Havertz
Havertz underwent surgery back in August after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.
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.
Possible return date: November
Noni Madueke
Madueke was forced off in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in late September and has been absent since with a knee problem.
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.
Possible return date: November
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has been out of action for the last nine months after ruptuing his anterior cruciate ligament. He is however, edging closer towards a return.
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.”
Possible return date: N/A
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