LATEST NEWS: Bukayo Saka’s latest update and Kai Havertz’s absence – Arsenal’s injury report and expected return dates ahead of the Bournemouth clash.
Mikel Arteta is dealing with three major injury concerns, despite Arsenal not having played recently. Key players like Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber are already sidelined, staying at London Colney during the October international break.
Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey, who were set to play for Germany and Ghana respectively, have also remained in England due to minor injuries. Although their absence raises concerns, it may benefit Arteta if they are fit for the upcoming match against Bournemouth. However, a bigger worry involves Bukayo Saka.
Last month’s two-week break saw Odegaard pick up an injury, and a similar situation has occurred with Saka, who was substituted after holding his right hamstring during England’s game. The injury happened recently, and speculation is already growing about how serious it might be and when he might return.
Here’s the latest injury news for Saka, Havertz, Odegaard, and other Arsenal players:
Bukayo Saka Saka appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during England’s Nations League match against Greece. He is now awaiting the results of a scan to assess the extent of the damage, and a decision will be made before Arsenal’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Update from Lee Carsley and Dr. Rajpal Brar: Although both have provided updates, no definitive diagnosis has been made. Arteta now faces an anxious wait.
Return date: Unknown.
Kai Havertz Despite playing a full match against Southampton before the break, Havertz withdrew from the Germany squad due to a minor knee injury. He is now back in London recovering.
German Football Association statement: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches due to knee problems.”
Return date: Expected for Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – October 19.
Martin Odegaard Odegaard sustained an ankle injury during a Nations League game in September. His recovery has seen mixed reports about when he might return.
What Mikel Arteta said: “Martin is working hard and feeling good, but it’s hard to set a timeline.”
Odegaard’s recent comments: “I’ve made good progress lately, getting better every day, and feeling more motivated.”
Norway’s manager: “Progress is good, but he’s still far from being match-ready.”
Return date: Likely December.
Jurrien Timber Timber was substituted at halftime in Arsenal’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain and later omitted from the Netherlands squad. His recovery continues.
Arteta’s update: “We’ve had to modify training for many players. Timber is close to a return.”
Return date: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – October 19.
Ben White White missed Arsenal’s match against Southampton due to a knee problem and hasn’t played since coming on as a substitute in the draw with Manchester City.
Arteta’s statement: “We had to adjust training for Ben, and he’s getting closer.”
Return date: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – October 19.
Oleksandr Zinchenko Zinchenko has been out since August with a calf injury, missing the last four league matches.
Arteta’s comments: “Zinchenko could return after the international break if everything goes well.”
Return date: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – October 19.
Kieran Tierney Tierney remains sidelined after suffering a severe hamstring injury while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024.
Arteta’s August update: “It’s been tough for Tierney, but we’re supporting him in his recovery.”
Return date: Unknown.