Arsenal were afforded some additional rest-time in the double charge for silverware this season and Mikel Arteta could have a fully-fit group to choose from by the time his men are next in action. The Gunners booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a shootout win over FC Porto on Tuesday night.
Having been eliminated from the FA Cup this season, Arsenal were without a match this weekend and the March international break is around the corner. Their next fixture is against Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday, March 31 at the Etihad Stadium (4.30pm) in a not-to-be missed TV showdown.
By that stage, there will have been 19 game-less days for The Gunners to patch up their squad. However, only two players remain close by the physio’s room at London Colney as we take a closer look at their latest injury news;
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Jurrien Timber
Injury: Knee.
Return date: TBC.
What Arteta has said: “Not many updates. We still have 24 hours [before the win over Porto] and we’re trying to have everybody fit and available. He [Tomiyasu] did the first part, Gabi didn’t, but that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Timber continues to be involved in training following his ACL injury – which came shortly after his move from Ajax this summer – but Arteta has not outlined a firm date for the Netherlands defender to return. The 22-year-old made two appearances for The Gunners before injury unfortunately derailed his debut season.
Gabriel Martinelli
Injury: Foot.
Return date: TBC.
What Arteta has said: “Not many updates. We still have 24 hours [before the win over Porto] and we’re trying to have everybody fit and available. He [Tomiyasu] did the first part, Gabi didn’t, but that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Martinelli was not involved against either Brentford or Porto. He was spotted by football.london walking through the mixed-zone on crutches after the Brentford game, before sitting out in the Champions League. His setback was not thought to be too serious and the Brazil forward has, seemingly, trained in some part.
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