Arsenal secured their ninth consecutive win on Saturday with a 2-0 triumph over Burnley, but Mikel Arteta has been handed two fresh injury concerns
Just as one major Arsenal injury boost materialised, Mikel Arteta has been dealt two fresh worries.
The Gunners clinched their ninth straight win on Saturday against newly-promoted Burnley with Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice finding the net.
The win has put them seven points ahead of Bournemouth and Liverpool at the close of Saturday’s action following the latter’s victory over Aston Villa. Arsenal find themselves in an excellent position, but Arteta will be concerned about the fitness of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi moving forward after both were substituted.
William Saliba’s return to the squad was at least one positive development, but there will be fears over Arsenal’s attacking options if Gyokeres is sidelined, particularly as Kai Havertz remains unavailable.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Gunners injury updates and the potential comeback dates for their missing stars.
Viktor Gyokeres
Mikel Merino came on for Gyokeres at half-time of the victory over Burnley with Arteta subsequently 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.”
Possible return date: N/A.
Martin Zubimendi
Arteta also disclosed that a possible muscular problem was the reason for Zubimendi being taken off.
What Arteta has said: “And Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Possible return date: N/A.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was absent from the victory over Burnley, still recovering from an injury sustained the previous weekend.
Arteta’s comments on the injury were: “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.”
Potential return date: Sunderland (A) – Saturday, 8 November.
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard is still recovering from a knee injury, but Arteta is optimistic about having him, Madueke and Havertz back after the international break.
Arteta has stated: “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.”
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) – Sunday, 23 November.
Kai Havertz
Havertz has been sidelined since August, requiring a minor procedure to address a knee issue.
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.”
Possible return date: November.
Noni Madueke
Madueke is another casualty due to a knee problem, though he’s expected to make his comeback 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.”
Possible return date: November.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has been sidelined since early January following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
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.
Jesus added: “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. “.