Arsenal injury update and thier return date as be reveal….

Mikel Arteta is facing an anxious wait regarding Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday. The two England internationals were left out of the matchday squad against Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round earlier this week.

Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined with their own injury issues leaving Arteta’s options short ahead of the trip to Bournemouth. This could hand the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Mohamed Elneny the chance of featuring against the Cherries.

With all of that being said, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of the trip to Bournemouth this weekend…

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka was taken off against Spurs, with the 22-year-old in severe pain after taking a knock on his foot during the dying embers of the game. This is not thought to be anything serious though, and the England winger is recovering.

Arteta seemingly hinted that the Hale End academy graduate’s issue could keep him out for a game or two during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday morning. Saka posted a cryptic post on Instagram showing him in a gym – suggesting he may be working on his recovery ahead of Bournemouth.

However, in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta admitted that Saka hadn’t yet trained with the senior team since the derby, marking him as a major doubt for tomorrow’s clash.

What Mikel Arteta has said (September 29): “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”

September 26: “He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field which is never a good sign.

“He hasn’t been able to participate in the session.” When asked if he would be out for the game against Bournemouth, the Spaniard added: “It’s a possibility, yes.”

Injury: Foot knock

Expected return date : Bournemouth (A) – 30 September

READ MORE: How Ben White recovered from fierce Mikel Arteta grilling as Arsenal knock out Brentford

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka posts cryptic Arsenal message after Mikel Arteta gives huge injury update

Declan Rice

Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Tottenham with a back injury. Despite having tape wrapped around his calf – suggesting he had sustained a muscle injury – Arteta revealed it was in fact Rice’s back that had a problem.

football.london understands that after assessment it has emerged that the England international’s injury is a minor one. The 24-year-old is still in discomfort and was not risked for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Brentford.

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Rice was yet trained with the senior team since his injury, meaning he’s likely to miss the game against Bournemouth.

Injury: Back

Expected return date: Bournemouth (H) – September 30

What Mikel Arteta has said (September 29): “He hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two so we’ll get more news about him.”

September 26: “He hasn’t trained yet. He couldn’t carry on in the game. He was uncomfortable. Hopefully it’s not something big.

“We are confident it’s nothing big. He had to leave the pitch and that’s never a good sign. Hopefully it will progress in the next few days. He won’t be available. Let’s see if he has a chance or not (for the weekend).”

William Saliba

The Arsenal defender played in the North London Derby but was totally absent from the midweek win over Brentford. When asked why, Arteta confirmed he’d picked up an issue and that he wasn’t sure whether he’d be available for the weekend.

What Mikel Arteta has said (September 29): “He has a knock.”

Expected return date: Lens (A) – October 3

Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard was the hero in Arsenal’s win over Everton as he replaced the injured Gabriel Martinelli, taking over duties on the left flank. The Belgian limped out of training on Saturday though with what is understood to be a lower hamstring strain.

There is optimism that Trossard could be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. The former Brighton & Hove Albion frontman is in contention to return for the trip to Bournemouth this weekend.

Injury: Hamstring

Return date: Bournemouth (H) – September 30

What Mikel Arteta has said (September 29): “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”

September 26: “He won’t be available (against Brentford). He did some activity , that’s where he felt it. He hasn’t trained yet. Not available for tomorrow.”

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during the win against Everton. The Brazilian winger was absent from the squad for the North London Derby despite being present at the Emirates Stadium to support his teammates.

There is optimism that Martinelli could be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. The 22-year-old could be involved against Bournemouth next weekend, although Arsenal are keen not to rush him.

What Mikel Arteta has said (September 29): “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”

September 26: “No (will he be fit for Brentford). Let’s see for the weekend.”

Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8

Thomas Partey

The Ghana FA confirmed earlier this month that Partey had sustained a groin problem during a training session, a major blow to Arteta. It remains to be seen how long the 30-year-old will be on the sidelines for.

The Ghanaian has been missing due to a groin strain picked up just prior to the international break, but is recovering well and pushing to be back in time for the heavyweight clash with Manchester City on October 8th.

Injury: Groin

Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8

What the Ghana FA have said: “He sustained a groin injury during training on Thursday, August 31, 2023. He is currently unavailable as Club Doctors predict he’s likely to be out for a couple of weeks.”

What Mikel Arteta has said: “Thomas (Partey) for sure is out (against Spurs). And the rest hopefully available, we still have two training sessions but there were no big issues in mid-week.”

Jurrien Timber

football.londonunderstands that the Dutch international underwent successful surgery and now in the “recovery phase” of his rehabilitation.

He was in attendance for the game against Man United. football.london spoke to Timber post-match where the 22-year-old was still using the aid of two crutches to move about.

Asked how he was feeling with his recovery, a swift, “good, good” was the response. He will be sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window.

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: 2024

What Arteta has said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, but he’s not going to be able to do it this season. We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”